Delhi feels a 'distant shock'

By Our Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI, FEB. 25. Almost a month after the high-intensity earthquake that caused large-scale devastation in Gujarat, another quake of moderate intensity shook many parts of northern India this morning. With its epicentre in the Afghanistan- Tajikistan border, the quake was felt in the capital with people scurrying out of their homes. Those living in East and Outer Delhi felt it more intensely than the rest.

The quake, which occurred at 7-52 a.m. had its latitude at 36.5 degree North and 70.6 degree East. Though there was no loss of life or damage to property, it did send people into a tizzy.

According to Dr. A.K. Shukla, Director, Seismological Division of Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the quake felt in Delhi was actually a ``distant shock''. Since its epicentre was in the Hindukush region - thousands of kilometres from the capital - it lasted only a few seconds; the exact duration could not, however, be measured.

Unlike the quake that hit Gujarat last month, this one had a very deep focus. Its hypocentre - depth in relation to the latitude and longitude - was below 150 km. ``That is why it was felt acutely even in the capital,'' Dr. Shukla said.

In contrast, the quake that had its epicentre in Bhuj had a very shallow focus - only 25 km below the earth - due to which the damage was extensive. Moreover, Hindukush is a quake-prone area with tremors occurring every week or once in two weeks. ``It is located at a triple junction where three major plates intersect.''

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Front Page
Previous : Quake rumbles through nations
Next     : NDA neglecting farmers: Sonia