Strong Earthquake Shakes Kathmandu and Surrounding Areas

An earthquake of magnitude 6.1 struck Kathmandu at 2:51 AM on Friday, resulting in injuries and property damage, particularly in Sindhupalchowk district. The tremor was also felt in various districts of Bihar, India, where no significant damage was reported. The incident underscores Nepal’s vulnerability to seismic activity due to its location in active tectonic zones.

A powerful earthquake measuring 6.1 in magnitude struck Kathmandu in the early hours of Friday morning, causing injuries and damage in the nearby Sindhupalchowk district. The epicenter of the quake was located at Bhairabkunda, about 65 kilometers east of Kathmandu, and was recorded at 2:51 AM by the National Earthquake Monitoring and Research Centre. The tremors prompted residents to flee their homes in panic, resulting in injuries to several individuals.

In Kathmandu, two individuals were reported injured, alongside an inmate from Chautara prison who sustained injuries while attempting to escape. An elderly man in a Sindhupalchowk village was also injured while vacating his house. The earthquake led to cracks appearing in some structures across the district, indicating the severity of the tremors felt throughout southern and eastern Nepal.

The region’s vulnerability to seismic activity is significant, as Nepal is situated within active tectonic zones IV and V. The country has experienced devastating earthquakes in the past, including the 7.8 magnitude quake in April 2015, which resulted in over 9,000 fatalities and substantial structural damage.

Officials reported that areas in Bihar, India, also felt the tremor from the earthquake, with reports indicating that districts such as Muzaffarpur, Samastipur, and several others bordering Nepal were jolted. According to Umesh Kumar Singh, a meteorologist at the Bihar Disaster Management Department, the tremors lasted a few seconds without causing any property damage or casualties.

Tremors were perceptible in multiple districts including Patna, Gopalganj, and both West and East Champaran. Consequently, the events surrounding the Nepal earthquake have been trending extensively on Google.

In conclusion, a strong earthquake struck Kathmandu early Friday morning, injuring several individuals and causing damage in Sindhupalchowk district. The tremors extended into Bihar, India, where several districts reported jolts without significant harm. The seismic activity highlights Nepal’s susceptibility to earthquakes due to its geographical position. Previous substantial quakes underscore the potential dangers residents face in this seismically active area.

Original Source: www.onmanorama.com