In a span of Just 17 days, two massive earthquakes jolted Nepal again on Tuesday at around 12: 40 pm (IST). The first earthquake measured 7.3 on Richter scale with epicenter near Kathmandu. While the second one was of magnitude 7.1, with the epicenter near Kodari in Nepal.
Another 6.9 magnitude earthquake was reported around the same time with its epicenter in Afghanistan.
Strong tremors were felt in entire North and East India, forcing people to vacate their homes and offices in cities including Delhi, Allahabad, Siliguri, Jaipur and Agra.
According to latest media reports, four casualties and incidents of building collapse have been reported from Chautara, Nepal. One has died in India’s Uttar Pradesh as well. There were reports also of damages to buildings in West Bengal and Sikkim. Further details are awaited.
Reportedly, rebuilding efforts in Nepal has been shattered and according to the local authorities, more destruction is expected as the earthquake had great damage potential.
Nepal is already reeling under the aftershock of the huge earthquake - measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale - that had rocked the country on April 25. Over 8000 people were killed and around 17,000 were injured in Nepal.
The Tuesday earthquake was shallow and had a depth of 15 km. According to meteorologists, shallow quakes are considered to be more devastating as the amount of energy released is confined to a smaller area.
Indian Home Minister, Rajnath Singh has called an immediate meeting with National Disaster Response Force.
