It was an unsettling start to the day for the folks of Jaipur and nearby areas as three consecutive earthquakes struck within a mere half-hour timeframe in the wee hours of Friday. The National Centre for Seismology (NCS) reported the first tremor, measuring 4.4 on the Richter Scale, shaking Jaipur at 4.09 am. Soon after, at 4.22 am, a second quake of magnitude 3.1 rattled the region, followed by a third one of 3.4 magnitude at 4.25 am. These three quakes shared a common depth of 10 km and their epicenters were located in close proximity to Jaipur.
The tremors reverberated across the city and even reached neighboring districts like Sikar, Dausa, Alwar, Jhunjhunu, and Bharatpur. With a jolt from their slumber, many residents hastily evacuated their homes in panic. Some even reported hearing blast-like sounds during the quakes. Thankfully, there were no casualties or property damage reported in the aftermath of this seismic activity.
In response, the local police and district administration promptly sprung into action, closely monitoring the situation and advising people to remain calm and vigilant. The NCS echoed the sentiment, urging everyone to adhere to the dos and don’ts prescribed by the disaster management authorities in the event of an earthquake.
This isn’t the first instance of Jaipur experiencing earthquakes this year. Back in April, two milder quakes of magnitudes 2.8 and 2.9 struck the city within a span of just four hours.
As we delve into the science behind earthquakes, we come to understand that they occur due to the movement of tectonic plates composing the Earth’s crust. India lies in a high seismic zone, making it susceptible to frequent tremors. Experts have further cautioned that a significant earthquake could potentially strike the northern part of the country in the foreseeable future.
In moments like these, it’s crucial to stay informed and prepared. While we can’t predict when the earth will shake beneath our feet, we can equip ourselves with knowledge and follow safety guidelines to minimize the risks. So, let’s remain vigilant and stand ready, facing nature’s unpredictability with a prudent approach. Stay safe, everyone!