Shimla, Oct 2 (IANS): Two earthquakes of light intensity measuring around 4.5 and 4.9 on the Richter scale hit Himachal Pradesh Tuesday within a gap of less than five hours, triggering panic among the people. No loss of life or damage to property was reported.

"Tremors measuring 4.5 on the Richter scale were felt for some seconds in several parts at 9.15 a.m. Another quake, which was of 4.9 magnitude, was recorded at 2.05 p.m.," Meteorological Office Director Manmohan Singh told IANS.

He said the epicentre of both the quakes was on the border of districts of Chamba and Lahaul and Spiti, bordering Jammu and Kashmir.

The epicentre of the first earthquake was at latitude 32.4 degrees north and longitude 76.4 degrees, while the second was at latitude 32.3 degrees north and longitude 76.3 degrees.

Himachal Pradesh witnessed its most devastating earthquake in 1905 in the Kangra valley which claimed more than 20,000 lives.