5.8 magnitude earthquake hits northern India at around 10:35pm on February 6. Tremors were felt in Delhi NCR (National Capital Region), parts of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Punjab. The tremors lasted for 30 seconds.
The located epicentre is near Ukhimath in Rudraprayag district which is approximately 97 km from Dehradun, Uttarakhand capital, as per Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).As per scientists, the quake occurred at a depth of 33km. However, the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) and United States Geological Service (USGS) have located the epicentre near Pipalkoti.
Strong tremors were felt in Gurgaon, Noida, Delhi, Meerut, Bijnor, and other parts of northern India for nearly 2 to 5 seconds. Delhi CM, Arvind Kejriwal, immediately tweeted “I pray for everyone’s safety” after the quake.
The earthquake was originated from Uttarakhand and went as far as Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. Uttarakhand is located in Himalayan belts and has always been known for high seismic activities.
Many people, during the quake, rushed out of their homes and offices. No loss of life or any other property damage have been reported yet.
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has asked for a detialed report on the situation. “The NDRF teams have been rushed from Ghaziabad to Uttarakhand to conduct rescue and relief operations, if the situation arises,” tweeted HMO India.