Buildings develop cracks in Mumbai

By Mahesh Vijapurkar

MUMBAI, JAN. 26. If the earthquake took a toll of several lives and property in Gujarat, the roll of tremors touched neighbouring Maharashtra, including the densely-populated Mumbai. It sent the chill down the spines this morning even as people were getting ready to watch the Republic Day parade on television.

Tall buildings literally shook. Several residents complained of giddiness overtaking them when it lasted several seconds. Fortunately, no loss of life was reported. However, in some suburbs, some buildings developed cracks.

Officials on their way to the Republic Day ceremonies scurried to offices to assess and report the damage, if any, and by late afternoon, they were relieved that nothing had happened, except dampening the spirit of the long weekend.

Earthquakes are not new to Maharashtra, most of them emanating from around the Koyna dam in Satara district. Only after knowing about the quake on television did some officials telephone the control room of the Government and said ``we were spared. We did not even know it had occurred''. Even in Latur, life was as normal with no hint of what had happened.

Officials first touched base with Latur, the 1993 pre- dawn terror still fresh in people's memory. When this correspondent spoke to a resident at Latur on phone, all he said was ``don't tell me. Is it possible Latur is spared?'' Sources told this correspondent that ``we are getting only reports of all is well but those who felt the tremors thought they had enough''.

People spilled into the streets in Mumbai, panic- stricken and wondering ``what next'' awaiting after-shocks. According to the local meteorological department, ``there were as many as 15 aftershocks after the initial one at 8.46 a.m. and one was as strong as 5 on the Richter scale''.

R-Day programmes unaffected

UNI reports:

The tremors did not dampen the patriotic fervour of the people to celebrate the 52nd Republic Day.

All the programmes were held smoothly and the parade was held at Shivaji Park, Dadar, Central Mumbai. The turn out at the parade, inspected by the Governor, Dr. P.C. Alexander, was smart and impressive. The Republic Day functions at all the Government buildings, educational institutions and residential apartments were attended by large number of people.

Reports reaching here from Kolhapur stated that Koyna region experienced mild tremors. However, mild movements and waves were experienced at the Koyna dam for nearly 40 seconds. The authorities said that the dam was safe.

No untoward incident was reported from any part in western Maharashtra.

Reports from Aurangabad and Nashik stated that the respective regions too experienced mild tremors. The reports stated that the shock, which lasted for about 15 to 20 seconds created panic among the people, who rushed out of their houses to open places.

Medical team for Gujarat

The Maharashtra Government is rushing a team of six doctors and medicines to Gujarat and is getting in touch with the authorities there to ascertain their relief requirements to rush more help.

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