By Prasanna Pathmasiri and Nayanajeewa Bandara   

A minor earthquake of magnitude  3 on the Richter scale had  been experienced yesterday afternoon in Monaragala, Buttala and  Wellawaya areas.   

It had lasted for about three minutes from 12.10 to 12.13.   

Director, District Disaster Management Centre A.H.Ravindra  Kumara said several houses had developed wall cracks and damage to  doors and windows.   

However, he said any casualties of the incident were not reported.   

He said safety measures against any further development were being taken.   

Meanwhile, District Secretary Pasan Ratnayake said the  employees in the four-storied District Secretariat building were removed  from the building temporarily for their safety.