Nepal earthquake: Mild tremors in Gujarat, no casualties

Tremors were today felt in many parts of Gujarat following a powerful earthquake, with epicentre in Nepal, that shook large parts of east and north India.
However, no loss to property or human life was reported in the state so far.
"We have got reports from each and every district of Gujarat that suggested there is neither any damage to human life nor to property, and everything is safe and secure here," State Relief Commissioner D N Pandey said.
He said around six local tourists are stranded in Nepal and efforts are on to bring them back home.
"We got reports about five to six tourists still in Nepal and found that they are safe after the earthquake. Our officials will bring them back to their respective native places and are in constant touch with them," Pandey said, adding that government will request people to not undertake tour to the quake-affected areas in the Himalayan nation for some days.

He said the government's disaster management control room is working round-the-clock to get information on any stranded tourists in Nepal and their kin or relatives can find information by calling on help-line numbers 079-23251900, 23251902 and 23251908.

The mild aftershocks were felt in Ahmedabad and Vadodara in Central Gujarat and Surat in south, besides in Banaskantha, Sabarkantha, Mehsana and Patan districts, which created panic among people forcing them to rush out of their houses and offices.
Pandey said the government was well-prepared to deal with any eventuality and a team of National Disaster and Relief Force (NDRF) is put on alert.

"Fortunately, the intensity of tremors was low in the state. However, we should remain alert because after-shocks may occur, but there is no need to panic," he added.
Director of Institute of Seismological Research (ISR) in Gandhinagar, B K Rastogi said the tremors were felt in north central and southern regions.
"Tremors were felt in some parts of the state including northern and central Gujarat along with few parts of south Gujarat. The tremors affected those in multi-storey buildings, prompting them to rush out," Rastogi said.