6.1 magnitude earthquake hits Nepal; tremors felt in India

A 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck Nepal in the early hours of Friday, sending tremors across Bihar, Siliguri, and other neighboring regions in India, shaking homes and waking residents.

The National Earthquake Monitoring and Research Centre confirmed that the epicenter was in Bhairavkunda, Sindhupalchowk district, approximately 65 km east of Kathmandu. The quake hit at 2:51 a.m. local time, triggering panic in the central and eastern parts of Nepal.

Authorities are currently assessing the impact, and while no reports of casualties or significant damage have emerged yet, social media posts show shaking buildings and ceiling fans in Patna, Sikkim, and Darjeeling. Residents in border regions of India and Tibet also reported feeling the tremors.

Meanwhile, a second earthquake, with a magnitude of 4.5, was recorded in Pakistan at 5:14 a.m. on Friday.

Nepal’s High Seismic Risk
Nepal sits in one of the world’s most active seismic zones—classified as Seismic Zones IV and V—making earthquakes a constant threat. The country lies on a tectonic boundary where the Indian plate pushes into the Eurasian plate at a rate of about 5 cm per year.

This movement not only lifts the Himalayan mountains but also generates immense stress beneath the Earth’s surface. When the accumulated stress exceeds the strength of the rocks, it is released as an earthquake, which explains frequent seismic activity in Nepal and the surrounding Himalayan region.

Nepal’s geology, composed of young and unstable rock formations, amplifies earthquake impacts. Additionally, the high population density in urban areas like Kathmandu and unregulated construction practices significantly increase the risk of casualties and damage.

The country has a devastating history of earthquakes, most notably the 2015 earthquake, which measured 7.8 magnitude, killed more than 9,000 people, and left over a million buildings damaged or destroyed. Given this history, even moderate quakes raise concerns about aftershocks and long-term structural damage.

Authorities Urge Caution
Authorities have advised residents to stay alert for potential aftershocks, as secondary tremors are common after major seismic events. Nepal’s disaster response teams are closely monitoring the situation, and further updates are expected as assessments continue.

The German Research Center for Geosciences (GFZ) recorded the earthquake at a slightly lower magnitude of 5.6 and at a depth of 10 km (6.21 miles), highlighting potential variations in seismic readings.

Regardless of the exact magnitude, the event serves as a stark reminder of Nepal’s vulnerability to earthquakes and the ongoing need for preparedness and disaster resilience.