Two earthquakes hit Hingoli within two hours, second of magnitude 4.5
Two tremors were felt in Maharashtra's Hingoli district on Saturday morning, with no reports of deaths or large-scale damage so far.
Two earthquake tremors were felt one after the other in Maharashtra's Hingoli district on the morning of Saturday, October 3, creating an atmosphere of fear among people.
The first tremor struck at about 7.46 am. According to the district disaster management cell, its magnitude was recorded at 3.3 on the Richter scale. The epicentre was around Gadhala village in Aundha Nagnath taluka, at a depth reported to be about 7 km. Local residents said a rumbling sound from beneath the ground was also heard along with this tremor.
About two hours after the first tremor, the ground shook strongly again. The magnitude of the second earthquake was recorded at 4.5. According to the records of the National Centre for Seismology (NCS), the 4.5-magnitude earthquake came at 9.43 am and its depth was 5 km.
The second tremor frightened people in several parts of Hingoli district, including Aundha Nagnath. Residents of Pimpaldari and nearby villages said they had heard a rumbling sound before the second tremor.
As per the information available so far, there is no report of any loss of life or large-scale damage to property in either tremor. The administration has appealed to people to stay alert without panicking.
Seismic activity has been felt in the Hingoli area from time to time over the past few years. For this reason, the back-to-back tremors on Saturday morning have raised people's concern again.
During an earthquake, rather than running about in panic, a few points should be remembered for the safety of oneself and one's family. Drop down and take shelter under a sturdy table or piece of furniture, and hold on to it tightly. Do not rush out of the house during the shaking, as crowding on stairs or exit routes can be dangerous. Do not use lifts. Stay away from windows, glass doors, cupboards, fans and objects that could fall.
If outdoors, move to an open space and stay away from buildings, trees, electric poles, hoardings and flyovers. If driving, stop away from bridges, tunnels, large buildings and power lines, and stay in the vehicle until the shaking stops. Once it stops, check for damage. If gas leaks, electric wires or cracks in a building are seen, inform the department concerned. Do not re-enter a building that has been seriously damaged.
Aftershocks can follow the main earthquake, so staying alert is important. Keep drinking water, essential medicines, a torch, a power bank, a first-aid kit and copies of important documents within easy reach. Do not believe rumours, and rely only on information from the administration, the National Centre for Seismology (NCS), the NDMA or government agencies.
