Imphal– On Wednesday, the northeastern state of Manipur experienced two significant earthquakes, causing panic among residents and leading to reports of damage in several buildings. The first earthquake, registering a magnitude of 5.7 on the Richter scale, struck at 11:06 AM, with its epicenter located approximately 44 kilometers east of Yairipok in the Imphal East district. Officials stated that the tremor originated from a depth of 110 kilometers.
The seismic activity was felt not only across Manipur but also in neighboring states, including Assam and Meghalaya. Residents described the experience as alarming, with many reporting that the shaking lasted for several seconds. Eyewitnesses recounted how items fell off shelves and people rushed out of their homes and offices in fear of aftershocks. Emergency services were placed on high alert as officials began assessing the extent of the damage.
Around an hour later, at 12:20 PM, a second earthquake measuring 4.1 on the Richter scale struck the Kamjong district of Manipur. This quake was of lesser intensity, but it still contributed to the anxiety already prevailing in the region. Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and to report any structural damage to their properties.
In the aftermath of the earthquakes, cracks were observed in various buildings, particularly in older structures that may not have been designed to withstand seismic activity. Local engineers and government officials have begun inspections to evaluate the safety of affected buildings. While there have been no immediate reports of casualties, the situation remains under close monitoring, as further aftershocks are possible.
The National Center for Seismology has noted that the region is seismically active, and earthquakes of varying magnitudes are not uncommon. However, the occurrence of two quakes within such a short period has raised concerns about the preparedness of the area to handle such natural disasters.
Residents are advised to stay informed through official channels and to take necessary precautions in case of additional tremors. The state government has called for a meeting of disaster management officials to discuss response strategies and ensure that all safety measures are in place for the well-being of the community.
As recovery efforts begin, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of the residents and addressing any structural vulnerabilities that may have been exposed by these recent seismic events.
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