7.3 earthquake hits Nepal, tremors across North India

Metro services immediately put on restricted mode in Delhi, no details of casualties in Nepal yet

Strong tremors were felt across north and east India, including Delhi and the NCR region at about 12.40 pm today. The epicentre of the quake is reported to be near Kathmandu in Nepal with a magnitude of 7.3 on the richter scale.

"The quake measured 7.3 on richter scale with epicentre 60 km east of Kathmandu in Nepal," an IMD official said.

Thereafter, 3 aftershocks were felt between 13.04 pm to 13:44 pm with the magnitude ranging between 4.8 to 6.2 on the richter scale. IMD officials have said that more tremors in the region could be expected in the coming months. 

Metro services were immediately put on restricted mode in Delhi with speeds being slowed down.

Authorities said in many areas, high-rise buildings are being vacated.

 
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) is estimating fatalities of up to 100 persons, and economic loss of up to $100 million, or less than 1% of Nepal's GDP. 

"Some casualties and damage are possible and the impact should be relatively localized. Past yellow alerts have required a local or regional level response," USGS said on its website.

Nepal was hit by a massive earthquake on 25th April with a magnitude of 7.9. The quake killed over 7000 people in Nepal with nearly 50 people killed in Bihar.


More details awaited