Magnitude 7.1 Earthquake Hits Nepal-Tibet Border; Tremors Jolt Bihar, West Bengal

Earthquake Hits Nepal-Tibet Border: A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 7.1 hit the Nepal-Tibet border early Tuesday morning, sending widespread tremors that jolted parts of Bihar and West Bengal in India. According to the United States Geological Survey, the epicenter has been located in Gokarneshwar, Nepal, at a depth of 10 kilometers.

Impact in Bihar and West Bengal

These tremors, according to reports reaching around 6:38 am, lasted about five seconds. Panic gripped several districts-including Patna, Samastipur, and Motahari. In West Bengal, this tremor caused more panic among the people residing in North Bengal than in its south sections. People left their homes just as a matter of precautionary measure, while no major accident or structural breakdown is reported so far in these states.

The earthquake killed at least nine people in Nepal and other affected regions, according to AFP on News18. The quake was also felt in neighboring countries such as China, Bangladesh, and Bhutan, which made it a significant one.

Any earthquakes having magnitudes over 7 would be very devastating. According to USGS, the extreme shakes may completely ruin buildings foundations, cause crumbling cracks, or completely shatter them. Largely mild quakes resulted in Bihar and West Bengal, thankfully.

An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.1 on the Richter Scale hit 93 km North East of Lobuche, Nepal at 06:35:16 IST today: USGS Earthquakes pic.twitter.com/CY3KtWAWO4

— ANI (@ANI) January 7, 2025

This earthquake contributes to the increased frequency of seismic activities in the world. In the last two years, devastating earthquakes have occurred in Turkey and Italy. According to experts, these events are a result of the movement and collision of tectonic plates under the Earth’s surface.

Interpreting Earthquake Magnitudes

Here’s how earthquake magnitudes relate to possible damage:

• 0 to 1.9: Only detectable by seismographs
• 2 to 2.9: Negligible surface vibration
• 3 to 3.9: Felt indoors
• 4 to 4.9: Items may fall
• 5 to 5.9: Movement of heavy objects
• 6 to 6.9: Structural cracks possible
• 7 to 7.9: Building collapses likely
• 8 to 8.9: Tsunami threats
• 9 or more: Catastrophic destruction

While the regions hit in India had minimal damage, the earthquake was a reminder of the power of seismic activity. Authorities are on high alert in all areas for aftershocks and any further developments.