A strong earthquake, measuring 6.1 in magnitude, hit Kathmandu early Friday morning, causing injuries and structural damage in nearby areas. Tremors were felt as far as Bihar, India, prompting panic but no significant damage was reported in India. Nepal remains susceptible to severe earthquakes, having experienced a catastrophic quake in 2015.
Kathmandu experienced a strong earthquake early on Friday morning, registering a magnitude of 6.1. The quake, which occurred at 2:51 AM, had its epicenter in Bhairabkunda, Sindhupalchowk district, approximately 65 kilometers east of Kathmandu. At least four individuals sustained injuries, and several homes in the Sindhupalchowk district suffered structural damage. The tremors were not only felt in Kathmandu but also in southern and eastern Nepal, triggering panic among residents who evacuated their homes.
In Kathmandu, two people were injured during the earthquake, while others were hurt during attempts to escape buildings. An incident was reported at Chautara prison where an inmate was injured while trying to escape post-quake. An elderly man was also injured in a local village in Sindhupalchowk, emphasizing the quake’s immediate impact on the community.
Nepal is situated in one of the world’s most active seismic zones, which significantly increases its vulnerability to earthquakes. The country previously faced a devastating earthquake in April 2015, which measured 7.8 in magnitude, resulting in over 9,000 fatalities and severe destruction of more than one million structures.
In Bihar, India, the earthquake’s tremors were felt across several districts, including Muzaffarpur and Samastipur. Umesh Kumar Singh, a meteorologist from the Bihar government’s disaster management department, noted that the quake was recorded around 2:35 AM, producing tremors along the Indo-Nepal border that lasted for a few seconds. Fortunately, officials reported no damage or loss of life in Bihar.
The earthquake that struck near Kathmandu underscored the region’s vulnerability to seismic activity, with injuries reported in both Nepal and bordering areas of Bihar, India. While the immediate effects included structural damage and panic among residents, reports indicated no significant casualties in Bihar. This event serves as a reminder of Nepal’s susceptibility to earthquakes, particularly given its historical context of devastating quakes.
Original Source: www.onmanorama.com
