Post date: Apr 05, 2011 12:29:15 AM
India's capital city New Delhi and its northern states including Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh are jolted by a 5.7 magnitude earthquake that struck the country at around 5.02 pm. However, Indian Meteorological Department officials rule out concerns of an after shock.
NEW DELHI, INDIA (APRIL 04, 2011) ANI - India's capital city New Delhi and its northern states including Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh are jolted by a 5.7 magnitude earthquake that struck the country at around 5.02 pm on Monday (April 04).
The "moderate" intensity earthquake had its epicentre near the India-Nepal border.No report of any casualty or major loss of property was reported due to the quake.
According to the Indian Meteorological Department officials the tremors were felt for about three seconds.
"As far as this earthquake is concerned, there is no matter of concern for Delhi, because it was just only felt. And the magnitude being 5.7, the distance being 350 kilometres away from Delhi, there is no reason for any concern. Delhi is categorised as Zone IV of the bureau of Indian standards of classification, and structure which are designed and constructed as per this zone criteria, I am sure we will withstand any earthquake in future," said R. S. Dattatreyan, seismologist.
Dattatreyan further said that since the earthquake was of moderate intensity, no after shock is expected.
"Normally large magnitude earthquakes, six or above, are often seen to be followed by minor shocks, that is their magnitude is less than the main shock. So this particular magnitude being 5.7, we do not expect large aftershock. There could be some, but they would be much localised nature and very small magnitude," said R. S. Dattatreyan.
Elsewhere in Dehradun city of northern Uttarakhand state, a few dilapidated buildings were hit by the quake that led to falling of debris from the buildings.