India, Oct. 27 -- A loud explosion-like sound followed by brief ground tremors triggered panic in several residential colonies on the south-western outskirts of Hyderabad on Tuesday morning, prompting residents to rush out of their homes.

The incident was reported around 10.25 am from Rajendranagar, Upparpally, Attapur, Erraboda, Keshavswamy Nagar and Langar Houz, among other areas.

Residents said the ground shook for around five to 10 seconds, rattling windows and causing household utensils to shift. Fearing a possible earthquake, many people rushed into the streets.

Scientists at the city-based National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) sought to dispel rumours of a major tectonic earthquake, attributing the phenomenon to what wa...