A powerful earthquake measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale struck Nepal in the early hours of Friday, sending tremors across several regions in northern India, including Bihar and Siliguri.
The seismic event, which occurred at approximately 2:36 am local time, was confirmed by Nepal’s National Earthquake Monitoring and Research Centre.
Epicentre and magnitude discrepancies
The earthquake originated in Nepal’s Bagmati Province, roughly 189 kilometers north of Muzaffarpur in Bihar, as reported by the National Center for Seismology (NCS). However, international agencies provided slightly varied measurements.
The German Research Center for Geosciences (GFZ) recorded the quake at a magnitude of 5.6 with a depth of 10 kilometers (6.21 miles), while the United States Geological Survey (USGS) estimated the tremor at a magnitude of 5.5.
Impact and immediate response
The earthquake’s impact was felt strongly in Nepal and adjoining Indian regions, causing widespread panic among residents.
“It shook us from our sleep strongly,” said Ganesh Nepali, a senior official in Sindhupalchok district, one of the areas closest to the epicentre. “We rushed out of our homes. People have now returned, and so far, we have not received any reports of major damage or injuries.”
While a moderate earthquake of this magnitude can cause noticeable shaking and minor structural damage near the epicentre, initial reports indicate that the impact was largely limited. Social media posts from affected areas, including Patna, Sikkim, and Darjeeling, showed ceiling fans and buildings shaking.
Pasang Nurpu Sherpa, chairman of Bhote Koshi rural municipality, where the epicentre was located, also confirmed that there were no immediate reports of destruction. “I have no information of any damage so far. However, the earthquake triggered a landslide at Dugunagadi Bhir across the river. Fortunately, there are no houses near the site of the landslide.”
Kiran Thapa, the district governor of Sindhupalchok, noted one injury linked to the quake. “An inmate in the district jail sustained a broken hand while trying to escape in panic. He is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital. Additionally, a police post building in Kodari developed minor cracks.”
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Seismic activity in Nepal
Nepal is situated in one of the world’s most seismically active zones, as the Indian tectonic plate continues to push into the Eurasian plate at a rate of approximately 5 centimeters per year.
This geological movement not only results in the uplift of the Himalayan mountains but also builds immense stress beneath the Earth’s surface. When this stress surpasses the strength of the underlying rock formations, it is released as an earthquake.
Due to its geological composition, which consists of young and unstable rock structures, Nepal is particularly vulnerable to seismic activity. The risk is further exacerbated by the high population density in urban areas like Kathmandu and widespread unregulated construction practices.
The combination of these factors significantly increases the likelihood of casualties and infrastructure damage in the event of a strong earthquake.
Assessment and preparedness
As of now, authorities in Nepal and India are closely monitoring the situation. While no major casualties or structural collapses have been reported, officials continue to assess potential aftershocks and secondary hazards such as landslides in mountainous regions.
Nepal has experienced devastating earthquakes in the past, the most notable being the 2015 disaster, which measured 7.8 in magnitude and resulted in nearly 9,000 fatalities. This history underscores the importance of improving earthquake preparedness, enforcing stricter building codes, and enhancing early warning systems to mitigate future risks.
Residents in the affected regions have been advised to remain vigilant and follow safety guidelines issued by local authorities. Emergency response teams remain on standby, ready to provide assistance if required.
While Friday’s earthquake caused significant alarm, early indications suggest that Nepal and its neighboring regions have been spared any severe damage or loss of life.
However, given the country’s seismic vulnerability, experts stress the need for continued vigilance and preparedness to minimize risks associated with future tremors.
Also Read: 5.1 quake strikes Bay of Bengal, tremors felt in Kolkata
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