7.9 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Nepal, Felt Across India

A strong 7.9-magnitude earthquake that was only 2 km deep, hit near Nepal's capital of Kathmandu on Saturday (25 April) where some houses have been damaged and walls toppled.

 

The high-intensity quake  rocked many parts of East and North India, including Delhi.

Initially the earthquake was thought to be of 7.5 magnitude, but was upgraded to 7.9 on richter scale.

 

Tremors were felt across eastern and northern parts of India, said J L Gautam, Head Operations Seismology of Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).

 

"Earthquake of magnitude 7.5 occurred today at 11.41 AM between latitude 28.1 North and Longitude 84.6 East. The epicentre was located in Nepal," an IMD statement said.

 

The tremors, which were felt in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana and Punjab, lasted for a minute, triggering panic and forcing people to rush out of their houses and offices.

 

There were no immediate reports of loss of life or damage to property in Delhi.

 

Officials said Metro train services in Delhi were also affected due to the earthquake. .

 

There is no immediate word on casualties. The quake hit around noon and was also felt in neighbouring India as well as in Pakistan.

 

Mohammad Shahab, a resident from Lahore, Pakistan, says he was sitting in his office when the earthquake rocked the city.

 

He says the tremors continued for a while but now the situation is normal in the city.

 

The sustained quake also was felt in India's capital of New Delhi.

 

The US Geological Survey says it expects heavy damage in Nepal.