In the early hours of Sunday, an earthquake of magnitude 3.5 on the Richter Scale hit Manipur, with its epicentre in Chandel district. According to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS), no damages or casualties have been reported so far. The earthquake occurred at a depth of 77 kilometres and further details are awaited.
Earthquake Strikes Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh
Background
Sonbhadra district in Uttar Pradesh is located in the northeastern part of the state, bordering the states of Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh. The region is known for its rugged terrain and dense forests. Earthquakes are not uncommon in this area, as it lies in a seismically active zone.
Recent Earthquake
On Sunday, August 13, 2023, an earthquake of magnitude 3.5 on the Richter scale struck Sonbhadra district. The epicenter was located near the village of Pihun, about 20 kilometers southwest of the district headquarters of Robertsganj. The earthquake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers.
According to the National Center for Seismology (NCS), no damages or casualties have been reported so far. However, residents of the affected area reported feeling tremors and some minor shaking.
Top 5 FAQs
1. Is this the first earthquake to hit Sonbhadra?
No, there have been several earthquakes in Sonbhadra in the past, including a magnitude 3.9 quake in 2019 and a magnitude 4.2 quake in 2016.
2. What is the Richter scale?
The Richter scale is a measure of the strength of earthquakes. It is a logarithmic scale, meaning that each whole number increase represents a tenfold increase in the amplitude of the seismic waves.
3. What causes earthquakes?
Earthquakes are caused by the sudden release of energy below the Earth's surface. This energy can be released by the movement of tectonic plates, volcanic eruptions, or other natural forces.
4. What should I do if an earthquake occurs?
If you are caught in an earthquake, the most important thing to do is to stay calm. If you are indoors, try to find a sturdy table or desk to hide under. Avoid standing near windows or outside walls. If you are outdoors, move away from buildings, trees, and other structures.
5. What should I do after an earthquake?
After an earthquake, check yourself and others for injuries. Report any injuries to the authorities. Check your house for structural damage and report any damage to your local government. Be prepared for aftershocks, which can occur days or even weeks after the main event.
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