Local reports say that intense shaking caused widespread panic around the epicenter, about 30 miles (45 km) east-southeast of the Chechen capital of Groznyy.
The 5.8 magnitude quake, which struck at 1:06 p.m. local time, reverberated through the Caucasus mountains, causing severe damage to infrastructure including roads, power supplies and communications, Russian news agencies reported.
In addition to Chechnya, the earthquake was felt in the Russian provinces of Dagestan, North Ossetia, Ingushetia and in the Stavropol region.