13.2.21

6.3 quake in Tajikistan jolts N India

Strong tremors were felt across the northern plains, including in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan and the National Capital Region after an earthquake measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale struck Tajikistan in central Asia, the National Centre for Seismology said. While preliminary readings by NCS had stated the earthquake had a magnitude of 6.1 and its epicentre was Amritsar, this was later revised to Tajikistan. No immediate loss of life or damage to any property was reported, officials said.

J L Gautam from NCS said the initial report came as soon as tremors were felt across northern India, with the earthquake’s epicentre roughly being placed in Amristar. “We had a preliminary magnitude of 6.1 on the Richter scale and that it had occurred at a depth of 10 km below the surface. The epicentre was identified to be around Amritsar, but it was later revised after some time to be accurately placed in Tajikistan. The magnitude was also revised to 6.3,” said Gautam.

According to the revised estimate, the quake was found to have occurred at a depth of 74 km below the earth’s surface at a longitude of 38 degrees north and 73.58 degrees east.

Northern India has been recording minor earthquakes over the last two weeks as well.

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