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Earthquake shakes Assam

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Supratim Dey Kolkata/ Guwahati

An earthquake measuring 6.3 on the Richter Scale shook Guwahati and parts of lower Assam today, triggering fear and panic among the people, and especially in Guwahati.

 Today’s earthquake was the 5th in a row in last 40 days for Guwahati. It struck around 2.30 pm and was of the longest duration as it lasted for nearly 20 seconds.

According to initial reports, the earthquake had its epicentre in Bhutan.

 Though no casualty or injury has been reported, according to local media reports, some buildings and highrises of Guwahati have developed cracks due to today’s jolt.

Suspecting that these tremors might be a prelude to a major earthquake in coming days, a fear psychosis has engulfed Guwahatians.

 

Experts too haven’t denied the probability of a major quake in Assam soon.

 People residing in apartments and highrises are the most panicked people as they feel themselves too be the most vulnerable.

Today, when the earthquake struck, people were seen rushing out of their apartments and taking shelter outside.

North-Eastern India is the sixth major earthquake prone belt in the world.

Assam had on June 12, 1897 experienced one of the most powerful earthquakes in the world measuring 8.7 on Richter Scale. The state was also witness to another such powerful and deadly earthquake in 1950.

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First Published: Sep 22 2009 | 12:29 AM IST

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