An earthquake, measuring 5 on the Richter Scale, jolted many parts of Gujarat in the wee hours of Thursday, but there were no reports of damage to property or loss of life.

A moderate earthquake was experienced on Wednesday, which had its epicenter at 26 km South South-East of Dholavira in Kutch district. Tremors were felt in Bhuj, Rapar, Bhavnagar, Jamnagar and Ahmedabad cities too, according to officials of the seismological department.

"Earlier, there was a mild quake. Then occurred the bigger jolt measuring 5 on Richter scale and it had the depth of 80 km," said Institute of Seismological Research Director General B K Rastogi.

"There were 27 aftershocks registered, in the magnitude of 1 to 3 on the Richter scale, and majority of them were in Kutch and Saurashtra region. But there are no reports of damage to property or life," he said.

Residents of Kutch region, which was devastated by a quake in 2001, rushed out of their homes in panic.

"In Ahmedabad, some people felt minor tremors but we have not received any panic calls," said Chief Fire Officer M F Dastur.