6.1 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Nepal; Tremors Felt in Siliguri and Patna
A powerful 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck Nepal’s Bagmati Province early Friday, causing tremors felt across parts of India, including Siliguri and Patna. The seismic event occurred at approximately 2:36 am, with the epicenter located about 189 kilometers north of Muzaffarpur in Bihar, as reported by the National Center for Seismology.
Residents in Nepal’s Sindhupalchok district experienced significant shaking. Ganesh Nepali, a senior official in the district, recounted, “It shook us from our sleep strongly. We rushed out of home. People have now returned back to homes. We have not received any report of damage or injuries so far.”
The earthquake’s impact extended to various regions in India. Social media posts depicted scenes of buildings and ceiling fans swaying in cities such as Patna, Sikkim, and Darjeeling. Despite the widespread tremors, there have been no immediate reports of significant damage or casualties in these areas.
Nepal is situated in a seismically active zone where the Indian tectonic plate pushes into the Eurasian plate at a rate of about 5 centimeters annually. This tectonic activity not only elevates the Himalayan mountains but also generates substantial stress beneath the Earth’s crust, leading to frequent earthquakes in the region.
The country’s geological composition, characterized by young and unstable rock formations, often amplifies the effects of seismic events. In urban centers like Kathmandu, high population density combined with unregulated construction practices heightens the risk of casualties and structural damage during such occurrences.
Authorities continue to assess the situation, and residents are advised to remain vigilant and follow any safety guidelines issued by local officials.
