5.6 magnitude earthquake hits Bhutan; Tremors were felt in India, China, Bangladesh and Nepal

New Delhi: On Sunday, the Himalayan region was shaken by the strong earthquake in Bhutan. According to the German Research Center for Geosciences, the intensity of the earthquake was measured at 5.6. Its impact was not limited to Bhutan only. People in some parts of India, China, Bangladesh and Nepal also reported earthquakes.

People evacuated buildings 

According to media reports, immediately after the earthquake, people came out of their homes and offices in many areas. Buildings were evacuated in some places as a precaution. The tremors were so strong that even people in the areas bordering Bhutan were frightened.

At present there is no news of any casualty or major damage. Officials are keeping an eye on the entire situation. Local administration and disaster management teams are taking stock of the situation in the affected areas.

Danger remains in the Himalayan region   

Bhutan is considered sensitive to earthquakes. The country is located in the Himalayan belt, where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates constantly collide. Due to this conflict, earthquakes keep occurring here again and again.

Geologists say that there is always a possibility of earthquake of moderate to strong intensity in this area. Sunday’s earthquake is also believed to be a part of the same activity.

Earth felt in surrounding countries too   

The tremors of the Bhutan earthquake were felt most in the northeastern states of India. People in many parts of Assam, West Bengal and Sikkim reported shaking of their houses. Movement was also felt in the border areas of Nepal and Bangladesh. Light tremors were also recorded in Tibet region of China.

There have been no reports of any major damage so far, but officials have appealed to people to remain alert and not pay attention to rumours.

In view of the possibility of aftershocks in the Himalayan region after the earthquake, the local administration has increased surveillance. The Meteorological Department and Seismological Center are continuously monitoring the situation.