Another strong earthquake hit Nepal this afternoon sending people in the capital Kathmandu rushing out of home to the streets. Several states in north India too felt huge termors sending panic among the people
The US Geological Survey initially said the quake had a magnitude of 7.1 and struck 42 miles (68km) west of the town of Namche Bazaar, close to Mount Everest. The quake was upgraded to a magnitude of 7.4 minutes later. Shockwaves were felt as far away as the Indian capital, Delhi.
Tuesday’s quake came from a depth of 11.5 miles, deeper than the 9.3-mile depth of the quake on 25 April. More shallow earthquakes tend to cause more damage at the surface.
Shockwaves were felt across northern India and as far away as Delhi, where buildings swayed for more than a minute and people scurried into the streets.
The 25 April quake was 15km (9.3 miles) deep. Shallower earthquakes are more likely to cause more damage at the surface.
A 6.9 magnitude earthquake, with its epicentre in Afghanistan, also hit around the same time.
The tremors were felt in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Assam, Odisha and West Bengal and even shook buildings for nearly a minute in places as far south as Mumbai. People rushed out of offices and houses in panic when the tremors hit around 12:35pm.
In Delhi, Metro services were immediately put on restricted mode with speeds being slowed down.
Home minister Rajnath Singh said his ministry is gathering details about the extent of damage.
Briefing media in New Delhi, Director General Indian Meteorological Department, L S Rathore said, the epicentre of the earthquake is 60 km east of Kathmandu with depth of 10 Kilometers. He said, three after shocks were also felt after the quake. There has been no report of any casualty or damage so far. Delhi Metro service was disrupted for a while due to tremors.
Home Minister Rajnath Singh today asked the people not to panic over the earthquake which hit the several parts of the country and neighbouring Nepal this afternoon. Talking to reporters outside Parliament, Mr. Singh said the Centre is collecting more details and information about the tremors. He said India will provide full support to Nepal wherever required in the wake of the today’s high magnitude quake.