Strong tremors felt in Delhi-NCR, parts of north India; epicentre in Nepal
Even though the epicenter of the earthquake was around 300 kms away from Lucknow, Lucknow experienced serious tremblings forcing people out of their offices, schools, and homes.According to initial assessments by theNational Center for Seismology, the depth of the earthquake is 5 km and the magnitude is 6.2. The city has experienced more than half a dozen such tremors in the past one year, raising concerns among the citizens and experts.
The earthquake which lasted for more than 40 seconds, triggered panic with residents rushing out of their homes. Those in offices felt their workstations tremble and the floor shaking so much so that many felt a fits-like experience. Scurrying for their lives and finding a safe corner, the staircases were flooded with more people than they could handle.
“I’m recovering from high fever and for the first few seconds, I felt as if I’m experiencing fits. As I got out to go and see a doctor, I saw everybody standing outside and gripped with panic. This is by far one of the most shocking tremors I have felt in the past year. And it is scary how these instances are recurring frequently, suggesting an apocalypse around the corner, ” said Mohit Singh, a content writer.
Unlike Delhi, the police and administration in Lucknow were questionably late, and perhaps to an extent nonchalant, in issuing public warnings and alerts to the residents.
“We got the confirmation after reading Tweets of Delhi police, who were quick to alert the residents. Similar swiftness should have been shown by the district administration and police here,” said Swati Mishra, a banking professional.