Nepal Hit by Four Earthquakes in Quick Succession, Tremors Felt in North India
In a span of just one hour, Nepal experienced a series of earthquakes, with the most potent registering a magnitude of 6.2, according to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS). The seismic activity sent tremors rippling through parts of north India, including Delhi-NCR. The sequence of events began with a 4.6 magnitude quake striking western Nepal at a depth of 10 kilometers at 2:25 pm. This was followed by the powerful 6.2 magnitude jolt at 2:51 pm. Subsequently, two more quakes, measuring 3.6 and 3.1 in magnitude, shook the same region at depths of 15 km and 10 km, respectively, at 3:06 pm and 3:19 pm.
The epicenter of the strongest quake was located 206 km southeast of the pilgrimage town of Joshimath in Uttarakhand and 284 km north of Uttar Pradesh’s capital, Lucknow. The impact of these tremors was felt strongly in Delhi and the National Capital Region, causing people to evacuate offices and high-rise residential buildings. Similar reports came in from Chandigarh, Jaipur, and other parts of north India. Delhi Police promptly urged citizens not to panic, advising them to exit buildings and move to safe spots, specifically cautioning against the use of elevators.
Nepal, located in one of the most active tectonic zones globally (seismic zone IV and V), is highly susceptible to earthquakes. The nation previously experienced a devastating earthquake on April 25, 2015, with a magnitude of 7.8. This event claimed the lives of over 8,000 people and left more than 21,000 individuals injured, underscoring the region’s vulnerability to seismic activities.
