A magnitude-4.4 earthquake hit the northern city of Hai Phong at 10:18 local time on Wednesday morning, sending seismic waves to neighboring provinces and cities.

The quake occurred at latitude 20°, 81′ North, longitude 106°, 66′ East in Kien An District at a depth of 15 kilometers, the Vietnam Institute of Geophysics said.

The institute added that the tremor could trigger vibrations at 5 degrees on the MSK 64 scale – a 12-degree seismic intensity measurement.

It said this was a weak earthquake that would not cause serious damage.

Many people in Hanoi, 120 km from Hai Phong, reported shaking that lasted for a few seconds, while others fled their houses and offices after feeling stronger quivers.

The tremor also sent shudders to the city’s other neighbors like Thai Nguyen, Bac Giang, and Thai Binh, local residents said.

Local scientists are still keeping an eye on the quake area at the moment.