Earthquake in Uttarakhand:Experienced mild tremors early Saturday morning, causing panic among residents. The earthquake, measuring 4.8 on the Richter scale, lasted approximately 15 seconds and was felt around 4 AM, prompting people to evacuate their homes despite freezing temperatures.
Tremors Felt in Pithoragarh:Epicenter and Impact
According to District Disaster Management Officer Bhupendra Mehra, the earthquake’s epicenter was in Nepal, and no significant damage or casualties were reported in Pithoragarh or neighboring areas such as Champawat.
Why Do Earthquakes Occur?
The Earth’s crust consists of seven tectonic plates that are constantly moving. When these plates collide at fault lines, stress accumulates and is eventually released as seismic energy, causing earthquakes.
Understanding Epicenter and Intensity
- Epicenter: The point on the Earth’s surface directly above the seismic activity. Tremors are strongest here.
- Intensity Measurement: Earthquakes are measured on the Richter scale, which gauges the energy released. A magnitude of 4.8 indicates minor shaking with limited potential for damage.
Richter Scale and Its Significance
The Richter scale, ranging from 1 to 9, measures the energy released by an earthquake. Tremors over 7.0 can cause severe destruction, particularly within a 40 km radius of the epicenter.
Precautions During an Earthquake
- Stay Calm: Do not panic.
- Drop, Cover, Hold On: Protect yourself from falling objects.
- Evacuate Safely: Move to open areas away from buildings.
Uttarakhand, being in a seismically active zone, requires residents to remain vigilant and prepared for future seismic activities.
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