A powerful earthquake measuring 7.1 on richter scale epicentred in Nepal shook West Bengal, Delhi and several parts of north India today, less than three weeks after the region was struck by a devastating temblor.
"The quake measured 7.1 on richter scale with epicentre somewhere in Nepal," an IMD official said. Immediately after the quake at around 12:35 PM, panic- stricken people were seen rushing out of buildings in Delhi. Metro services were immediately put on restricted mode with speeds being slowed down. Authorities said in many areas, high-rise buildings are being vacated. The tremors lasted for around one minute. In Kolkata, hundreds of people ran out of their homes and offices into the streets. In Bihar capital Patna, people were seen running away from building into open spaces. Similar reports were coming from Assam and other eastern states.
The tremors were also felt as far as Chennai. The Delhi Secretariat as well as many government buildings were evacuated immediately after the quake. Authorities said there was no immediate report of any major damage. In Delhi, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has directed all senior officials to monitor the situation.
Civil defence volunteers have deep deployed in various areas to make an assessment of damage. Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia has also sought reports from all District Magistrates about extent of damage in their areas. The April 25 earthquake which measured 7.9 on richter scale had claimed over 8,000 lives in Nepal. Nearly 80 people were also killed in India, mostly in Bihar, due to the temblor.