NEW DELHI: A 6.8 Richter Scale quake today jolted the northern and eastern parts of the country at 6.10 pm with Sikkim being worst affected. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said that the epicentre of the quake 60 KM from Gangtok near Sikkim-Nepal border. The epicentre of the quake was located at Latitude 27.7 degree North and Longitude 88.2 degree East, according to IMD. Reports said the quake center to be 10 KM below the earth. Tremors were felt for almost 30 seconds. Aftershocks measuring 6.1 and 5.3 on the richter scale were also felt around Sikkim 20 minutes after the earthquake.

(Pic Courtesy: CNN IBN)

Tremors were felt in Darjeeling, Siliguri and other adjoining areas. The quake was also felt in certain parts of the national capital Delhi, Lucknow, Patna, and many other parts of north, east, and northeastern India.

As buildings shook, people rushed out of their houses and took refuge in open places.

reported through the DGP of Sikkim said that many buildings were damaged, roads were blocked and people were stranded on roads. Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling has called for an emergency meeting.

Northern Sikkim is said to have received excessive damage. Reports have said Mangan to be the epicenter and have received the worst damage. Rescue operations are reported to have started in the area. Phone networks are also not working properly.

The Prime Minister also spoke to the Sikkim Chief Minister and offered all help.

Tremors were felt in remote villages of Darbhanga and Madhubani district in north Biha, Jharkhand also felt the shock. Tremors were also felt in Jaipur and nearby areas of Rajasthan. Nepal, Bhutan have also felt the quake. 5 people have been reported to have died in Nepal.

 

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