A series of strong earthquakes struck Nepal, sending tremors across North India, with particularly noticeable effects in Delhi. The seismic activity included a 6.2 magnitude quake followed by several others, raising concerns in a region susceptible to earthquakes.
The seismic sequence began at 2:25 PM IST when a 4.6 magnitude earthquake struck Nepal, followed by a powerful 6.2 magnitude tremor just 25 minutes later. Subsequently, a third earthquake of 3.8 magnitude occurred 15 minutes after the initial shocks, and a fourth of 3.1 magnitude followed 13 minutes after that, at 3:19 PM IST.
The epicenter for the strongest quake was located 206 kilometers southeast of Joshimath in Uttarakhand and 284 kilometers north of Lucknow. The National Centre for Seismology (NCS) reported these seismic events and also noted a 5.2 magnitude earthquake in Arunachal Pradesh at 3:27 PM IST, followed by a 3.3 magnitude disturbance in Uttarakhand minutes later.
The 6.2 magnitude earthquake had its epicenter in Nepal, prompting the NCS to issue a statement on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “Earthquake of Magnitude: 6.2, Occurred on 03-10-2023, 14:51:04 IST, Lat: 29.39 & Long: 81.23, Depth: 5 Km, Location: Nepal.” The tremors were strongly felt in Delhi and other parts of the national capital region. Videos circulated on social media showed people evacuating office buildings as they experienced strong tremors. Delhi Police issued a statement advising people to exit buildings safely and avoid using elevators during such situations.
Tremors were felt in 30 districts of Uttar Pradesh, including Lucknow, Hapur, and Amroha. In districts bordering Nepal, five of them reported feeling the tremors. Parts of Uttarakhand and other northern regions like Chandigarh and Jaipur also experienced the effects of the seismic activity, according to news agency PTI.
Fortunately, there have been no reports of damage, injuries, or casualties in Nepal thus far.
This seismic activity follows a 5.2 magnitude earthquake in Meghalaya that was felt in Assam and other northeastern states on the previous day. The epicenter was in the North Garo Hills, close to the district headquarters at Resubelpara.
Nepal, located in one of the world’s most active tectonic zones (Seismic Zone IV and V), remains highly vulnerable to earthquakes. In April 2015, a devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake in Nepal claimed the lives of more than 8,000 people and left over 21,000 injured. Today’s series of tremors serve as a reminder of the seismic risks faced by the region.
Sources By Agencies
