Strong Earthquake Hits Kathmandu, Tremors Felt in Bihar

A 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck Kathmandu early Friday, leading to injuries and property damage in Sindhupalchowk. The tremor was felt across southern and eastern Nepal and in parts of Bihar, though no significant damage was reported there. The earthquake raised concerns due to Nepal’s history of severe seismic events, emphasizing the need for ongoing preparedness.

Kathmandu experienced a strong earthquake measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale at 2:51 a.m. on Friday, with its epicenter located in Bhairabkunda, Sindhupalchowk district, about 65 km east of the capital. Reports indicate that at least four individuals sustained injuries across Kathmandu and surrounding areas due to the tremor. Some structures in Sindhupalchowk developed cracks following the quake, which was also felt in southern and eastern Nepal, causing panic among residents who evacuated their homes.

In Kathmandu, two individuals were reported injured, including a prison inmate in Chautara who was hurt while attempting to flee. An elderly man in a nearby village also suffered injuries after trying to leave his home shortly after the quake. Nepal’s geographical position in the active tectonic zones IV and V makes it particularly susceptible to seismic activities, with the most devastating earthquake recorded in April 2015, registering a magnitude of 7.8 and resulting in over 9,000 fatalities.

The tremors from the Nepal earthquake were felt across several locations in Bihar, India, including Muzaffarpur and Samastipur. Umesh Kumar Singh, a meteorologist with the Bihar Disaster Management Department, confirmed that the earthquake caused noticeable tremors along the Indo-Nepal border around 2:35 a.m. However, there were no reports of casualties or property damage in these regions, as the tremors subsided quickly.

The earthquake prompted widespread attention on social media, with the term “Nepal earthquake” trending on Google. Multiple districts within Bihar, such as Siwan, Patna, Gopalganj, Saran, and parts of Champaran, reported experiencing the earthquake’s effects, although the duration was brief and no significant impact was noted.

The earthquake that struck Kathmandu at a magnitude of 6.1 caused injuries in various areas, with some property damage reported in Sindhupalchowk. The subsequent tremors were felt in Bihar, yet no significant consequences were recorded there. This incident highlights Nepal’s vulnerability to seismic events. Given the region’s history with earthquakes, preparedness and response strategies remain critical.

Original Source: www.onmanorama.com