6.9 Richter Scale Earthquake Hit Notrthen and Eastern India
September 19, 2011 – 3:53 pm
Yesterday 18th September 2011 a strong earthquake of 6.9 Richter scale hit northern and eastern part of India. The epicenter of the earthquake was around 60 km from Gangtok, capital of Sikkim. The tremors struck at 6.10 pm on that day left many building broken and people fearful. Many buildings in Assam, West Bengal, Bihar etc has developed vivid cracks on the walls. In Sikkim it has triggered many landslides. There were three aftershocks within a span of 30 minutes measuring in the range of 4 – 5.5 in Richter scale. As of now already 50 people are believed to be dead in India. The reason of this earthquake as in most cases was tectonic plate movement. The entire north east and the Himalayan region is high seismic zone. These region has already experienced high intensity earthquakes in the past of 8.7 in Richter scale. The strongest earthquake recorded in history was in Chile in 1960 of around 9.5 in Richter scale.
Phone connection the earthquake prone areas was completely lost. My father was trying to contact people in our native town but was unable to do so that evening and night. I heard on news that Indian PM was able to speak to Sikkim CM using the highly secure hotline. The PM has been proactive in ordering relief for the affected areas. The government which is battered many corruption scandals, if they have slumbered on this disaster then they would have invited nails for themselves. It is a good opportunity to show that they care and they work.
Government has declared compensation for the deceased and injured. But the concern is will the compensations will reach in time and will they get the exact amount. As in all government dealings there is a commission for all work. Lets hope that after Anna affect this changes. May god take care of the people of Eastern India.
West Bengal helpline # is 033-22143230
