Aftershocks in Junagadh

Possibility of another quake causes panic among people

AHMEDABAD/RAJKOT: The two earthquakes reported in Junagadh - at 4:33 pm on Tuesday and 00:04 am on Wednesday - are being followed by aftershocks. By the time of writing this report, 15 aftershocks measuring around 1 on Richter scale have been reported.

According to Earthquake Unit of Indian Meteorological Department, Delhi, the epicentre of first earthquake, magnitude 3.5 Richter, was reported to be near Sasan Gir forest.  The second epicentre, magnitude 3.6 Richter, occurred in the Arabian Sea near Veraval coast. However, the quakes have claimed no lives and the property damage is reported to be minimal.

But, the sudden occurrence of earthquakes has caused panic among the people.

The people residing in the affected areas recall the horrors of 2001 earthquake, which had hit Gujarat and region of Saurashtra-Kutch in particular.

It was the second time in last two months that Junagadh was hit by earthquakes. On November 13 last year, two earthquakes were reported in Junagadh, measuring 4.8 and 4.9 on Richter scale. Similarly, a 3.1 Richter earthquake was reported in Jamanagar in October 2007.

The fear for another earthquake has not subsided yet.

"It is common knowledge that a major earthquake is preceded by minor ones," warned Dr B  K Rastogi, the director of Institute of Seismological Research. "Fortunately, there is no identified major fault system in Saurashtra region. So, even if there is a stronger earthquake, it will not be more than 6 Richter in magnitude. While such earthquake will have no affect on properly constructed houses, poorly constructed houses may be in danger," he said.

b_himanshu@dnaindia.net