Centre assures help as 6.4 magnitude earthquake hits Assam; tremors felt in nearby states, Bhutan
Assam woke up to a massive earthquake of magnitude of 6.4 on the Richter scale this morning. According to reports, the National Center for Seismology said that the earthquake occurred at 7.51 am and the epicentre was 43 km west of Tezpur. The earthquake comes weeks after an earthquake of magnitude of 5.4 struck near Sikkim's capital Gangtok.
Reports suggest that strong tremors were felt in parts of the northeast and north Bengal. So far, there are no casualties or injuries. Many witnessed cracks on buildings and roads, broken walls and windows. The strong tremors forced people to leave their buildings and homes. According to an international news agency, parts of Bhutan also felt strong tremors.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was briefed about the Earthquake in Assam. He informed that he has spoken to Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and the Centre will extend all help possible to the state.
Home Minister Amit Shah said that the Centre stands with the people of Assam and prays for everyone’s safety.
The Chief Minister has urged citizens of Assam to remain alert. “Big earthquake hits Assam. I pray for the well-being of all and urge everyone to stay alert. Taking updates from all districts,” Sonowal tweeted.
Senior Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi has sent “love and prayers” to the people in Assam following the earthquake. She said in a tweet that the people of Assam are facing a “double blow” of the earthquake and a raging Covid-19 pandemic.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh said that parts of Assam are hit significantly. He added there are only buildings are damaged and no reports of casualties. The state administration is monitoring the situation and the Centre is also in touch, he said in a tweet.
The Airport Authority of India (AAI) informed that the earthquake has not affected operations at all AAI airports in the region. There has been no adverse impact on the civil aviation facilities. The Guwahati airport and the Tezpur airport are in the region struck by the earthquake.