Nepal Earthquake Update: Strong Tremors Felt in Bihar and Surrounding Regions

KKN Gurugram Desk | On a quiet Friday morning, the earth shook in Nepal, triggering strong tremors that spread across nearby regions, including Bihar, India. These seismic events were felt at different locations in Nepal, including Kathmandu and areas near the Bihar border, creating a wave of concern among residents. The tremors also impacted Pakistan, adding to the widespread anxiety caused by the natural disaster.

Earthquake Hits Nepal: Two Separate Tremors Recorded

The earthquake in Nepal occurred in the early hours of the day, disturbing the sleep of thousands of people. The National Center for Seismology confirmed that two separate tremors hit Nepal on Friday. The first earthquake struck at around 2:36 AM local time, with a magnitude of 5.5 on the Richter scale. The second, stronger tremor occurred at 2:51 AM, registering a magnitude of 6.1.

The first tremor was felt near the Bihar-Nepal border, in the Bagmati Province of Nepal, approximately 189 kilometers away from Muzaffarpur, Bihar. Many residents in northern Bihar, particularly in the Mithila region, woke up startled by the shockwaves. The tremors caused a wave of anxiety, but fortunately, no immediate reports of significant damage or casualties were reported.

The second, more powerful earthquake hit Sindhupalchowk District, located about 65 kilometers east of Kathmandu. This quake had a magnitude of 6.1 and was felt across several districts of Nepal, including Kathmandu Valley. The tremors also spread to neighboring regions in India, including the states of Bihar and West Bengal.

Impact of Nepal Earthquake in Bihar

In Bihar, people in cities like Patna and Muzaffarpur felt the impact of the earthquake. The tremors were noticeable, but there were no immediate reports of major structural damage or loss of life in the region. Local authorities were quick to assess the situation and reassure the public. As the news spread, people took to social media to discuss the incident and express their concerns.

In areas close to the Nepal border, the tremors were more intense, leading to more noticeable shaking of buildings. However, despite the noticeable intensity, the situation remained calm, with no significant casualties or property damage reported. Local residents, many of whom were startled awake by the tremors, expressed their relief as the initial shock subsided.

What Caused the Earthquake?

According to experts from the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), the earthquake had a depth of about 10 kilometers (6.21 miles), which is relatively shallow for an earthquake of this magnitude. Shallow earthquakes typically cause stronger surface shaking and are more likely to be felt over a larger area.

The epicenter of the earthquake was located in the Sindhupalchowk district of Nepal, known for its mountainous terrain and proximity to the Kathmandu Valley. The region lies along the boundary between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, which is a known seismic hotspot. This region has experienced major earthquakes in the past, including the devastating earthquake in 2015, which claimed thousands of lives and caused widespread damage.

Earthquake’s Effect on Neighboring Countries

While the earthquake’s epicenter was in Nepal, its effects were also felt in nearby countries. In Pakistan, tremors were recorded in several parts, including the capital city, Islamabad. The impact was felt in different regions of northern Pakistan, but similar to Nepal and India, no significant damage or casualties were reported.

The earthquake’s reach also extended into the eastern parts of India, especially in West Bengal and Bihar. Cities like Siliguri in West Bengal experienced noticeable tremors. As a result, the disaster caused considerable alarm among residents, but the swift response from local authorities helped in keeping the situation under control.

Nepal’s Vulnerability to Earthquakes

Nepal’s geographical location makes it highly vulnerable to earthquakes. The country lies on the converging boundary of two major tectonic plates—the Indian plate and the Eurasian plate. The collision of these plates causes regular seismic activity, and Nepal has been historically affected by powerful earthquakes.

The 2015 earthquake in Nepal, which had a magnitude of 7.8, is a stark reminder of the country’s susceptibility to devastating seismic events. That earthquake caused widespread destruction, killing over 9,000 people and leaving thousands more injured or displaced. Despite improvements in infrastructure and disaster preparedness in recent years, Nepal remains at significant risk from earthquakes, especially in its densely populated urban areas like Kathmandu.

Response and Preparedness for Future Earthquakes

While Friday’s earthquake did not cause major damage, it highlighted the need for continued preparedness in the region. Following the 2015 disaster, Nepal has taken steps to improve its earthquake resistance structures and enhance its response mechanisms. However, challenges remain, especially in rural and remote areas where access to emergency services is limited.

Local authorities in Nepal and neighboring regions continue to monitor seismic activity closely. Experts recommend strengthening building codes, improving early warning systems, and educating the public about earthquake preparedness. These efforts are essential to minimize the impact of future earthquakes and ensure that communities are better equipped to handle seismic events.

Friday’s earthquake in Nepal, with its tremors felt across Bihar and other neighboring regions, serves as a stark reminder of the constant threat posed by seismic activity in this region. While the immediate effects were relatively mild, the event highlights the importance of maintaining awareness and preparedness for future disasters.

As Nepal continues to recover from past earthquakes and prepares for future ones, the need for robust disaster management strategies remains crucial. The collaboration between Nepal, India, and other neighboring countries in sharing data and coordinating disaster response efforts is essential to improving the region’s resilience against earthquakes.

For the people of Bihar, West Bengal, and Nepal, the tremors were a brief but unsettling reminder of the earth’s unpredictable power. Despite the fear and anxiety it caused, the swift response from local authorities and the absence of significant damage offer hope that, with continued preparedness and vigilance, the region will be better equipped to face future seismic challenges.

As we await further updates, the focus must remain on reinforcing structures, educating the public, and ensuring that emergency services are ready to act swiftly in the event of a more severe earthquake.