GANGTOK, 18 Sept: Call it a coincidence, a cruel prank by nature, or even a reminder, but on 18 September today, Sikkim once again relived an experience it would rather have not. At 5:56 PM this evening, people emptied out into the streets again as a quick but strong enough to scare 4.1 magnitude tremor hit the state.
Last year, on the same day an earthquake measuring 6.9 in magnitude had hit the state at 6:10 PM causing major damages across Sikkim especially North Sikkim. Nervous apprehension preyed on many minds as the State marked the first anniversary of the strongest ever [in recorded history] earthquake with its epicenter in Sikkim.
As the countdown began, the 4.1 temblor rocked the State and panic was instantaneous.
Even as people gathered at Titanic Park for a candlelight vigil to pay homage to lives lost in last year’s quake, the fresh tremor reignited fear amongst people.
The MET department has reported that the epicenter of today’s earthquake was located in North Sikkim [30 km north of Tadong, Gangtok] at Latitude 27.4°N Longitude 88.5°E with a depth of 10 kilometers. No damage to life or property is reported.
Stronger tremors have visited the State in the past year, but one on the anniversary obviously carried the strongest scare-potential. This significance was not lost on the authorities either with the police and the administration responding quickly and appealing for calm.
Chief Secretary Karma Gyatso, when contacted, appealed to the people not to panic, pointing out that the earthquake was slight in nature. SP East, Dr. MS Tuli, also confirmed that they have received reports of people rushing out in fear and appealed that such panic reactions be avoided.
Last year, on the same day an earthquake measuring 6.9 in magnitude had hit the state at 6:10 PM causing major damages across Sikkim especially North Sikkim. Nervous apprehension preyed on many minds as the State marked the first anniversary of the strongest ever [in recorded history] earthquake with its epicenter in Sikkim.
As the countdown began, the 4.1 temblor rocked the State and panic was instantaneous.
Even as people gathered at Titanic Park for a candlelight vigil to pay homage to lives lost in last year’s quake, the fresh tremor reignited fear amongst people.
The MET department has reported that the epicenter of today’s earthquake was located in North Sikkim [30 km north of Tadong, Gangtok] at Latitude 27.4°N Longitude 88.5°E with a depth of 10 kilometers. No damage to life or property is reported.
Stronger tremors have visited the State in the past year, but one on the anniversary obviously carried the strongest scare-potential. This significance was not lost on the authorities either with the police and the administration responding quickly and appealing for calm.
Chief Secretary Karma Gyatso, when contacted, appealed to the people not to panic, pointing out that the earthquake was slight in nature. SP East, Dr. MS Tuli, also confirmed that they have received reports of people rushing out in fear and appealed that such panic reactions be avoided.
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