Another earthquake rattled Sikkim and parts of Darjeeling Hills this evening, the second one in two days.The low intensity quake which lasted just a few seconds had its epicentre 23 km north west of here, the sources said, adding that these tremors must have been felt in parts of north Bengal and Assam too.
Sikkim falls in seismic zone four, the second highest quake prone zone after Gujarat and Meghalaya which fall in zone five.
The earthquake, which struck around 7:48 pm this evening, was felt in most parts of Sikkim including Ranipool, Singtam, Rangpo, Namchi and Jorethang and in places like Darjeeling and Mirik. Reports of a mild quake have come in from Pakyong, Rhenock and Rongli in East Sikkim.
There was disruption of power supply after the quake in Gezing, Jorethang and some part of West district of Sikkim. It was not exactly known about the damage of the quake, however, the people ran in panic for fear of the big one.
The earthquake this evening was much stronger in intensity than the one felt on May 18, which struck around 6: 10 pm and had lasted longer but was milder in nature.
In Namchi in South Sikkim, the quake was reportedly stronger forcing people to rush out of their houses into the streets in panic. Moments the quake struck, the electricity supply went off and the town was engulfed in total darkness, adding to the woes of the people. Even an hour after the quake had passed, residents of Namchi were still seen thronging the streets, fearful to go back to their homes.
Preliminary reports from the Meteorological Department here had revealed that the Friday quake measured 5.7 to 6 on the Richter scale. The quake was felt in Ranka, Ranipool, Singtam, Rangpo, West Sikkim and parts of Darjeeling Hills. The epicenter of the quake was said to be somewhere in North Sikkim.
There are no reports of damages or injuries yet.
Sikkim Served Fresh Daily
