The U.S. Geological Survey said the quake of magnitude 6.8 was 57 km (35 miles) deep and struck 29 km (18 miles) west of Imphal, the capital of India’s northeastern state of Manipur, bordering Myanmar. While two died in Murshidabad district of West Bengal, the quake claimed one life in Bihar’s Kishanganj district.
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An official at Myanmar’s meteorological department in Naypyitaw said there were no reports of damage or casualties on its side of the border.
“The epicentre was near river Barak, so there was little damage”, said Additional Deputy Commissioner Joseph Paulin. At least 100 people were injured in the State, of whom several are undergoing treatment. She sustained injuries in her pelvic region and has been admitted to Shillong Civil Hospital. Residents fled out of their homes into darkened streets and strong tremors were felt throughout the region, including the Tibetan region of China, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Burma, also known as Myanmar.
Imphal, Jan.4: Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Monday asserted that the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team and central and state government forces are working together in the relief-rescue operation in earthquake-hit areas of the northeast.
Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh said all offices, except those providing emergency services, will remain closed for two days, while educational institutions will be shut for seven days. Cabinet Secretary P K Sinha chaired the review meeting while Manipur Chief Secretary participated in it through video conference.
India’s official broadcaster All India Radio (AIR) Tuesday said team of experts from National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) would assess the safety of buildings, partially damaged in the quake.
Unverified photos posted to Twitter purported to show structural damage to a market on the western outskirts of Imphal, close to the epicenter. “The Prime Minister and Home Minister have assured all possible help”, he said.
“People are understandably panicky”, said Dr Singh, whose team is now giving people advice on staying safe.
“MHA is actively monitoring the situation after the natural disaster in the North East region”, the Home Minister said.
Jolted from their sleep, people ran out of their houses in panic.
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The powerful quake left at least eight people dead in Manipur and more than 100 injured across the state.
