ABOUT 1,500 properties in the Folkestone area were damaged by Saturday's earthquake, according to figures just released. And the repair bill could be as high as £20 million.

The tremor, deep beneath the Dover Straits off the Romney Marsh coast, lasted three brief seconds.

But it was felt as far away as East Sussex, Essex and even Suffolk and reports of damage were widespread.

Latest estimates suggest that 1,500 buildings - mainly homes - suffered structural damage in the Shepway Council area.

About 40 properties are too badly damaged to be occupied although it is hoped most families will be able to return home within a few days.

There are fears that some of the worst affected homes may have to be demolished.

Harvey Grammar School, shut yesterday while cracked walls were examined, reopened today.

The Canterbury Road / Black Bull area was worst hit as bricks, masonary and chimney pots rained down and walls cracked when the quake happened at 8.18am on Saturday.

Amazingly no one was killed or even seriously injured.

The cost was being estimated at between 10 and 20 million pounds by the Association of British Insurers.

About 30 building control officers continue to inspect the most damaged properties.

Shepway Council has advised residents to check chimneys and flues before they use them. Blocked flues can lead to dangerous fumes seeping into homes.

Other advice from the council includes:

CONTACT your insurance company before authorising repairs.

GET several written quotes and agree on a price before any work starts.

BE cautious about anyone going door-to-door offering to undertake work.

ANYONE wanting help can call the council’s emergency centre on 01303 853 566 or 01303 853 567 or visit the Civic Centre in Castle Hill Avenue.

The earthquake was the largest to hit the region since 1950 and the worst one in the UK since 2002.

The British Geological Survey says the earthquake registered 4.3, was 5 km below ground and the epicentre was 14 km south of Dover.

Other significant earthquakes happened in the Dover Straits in 1382, 1580 and 1776.