Tremors give nightmares to people of Seoni, Nagpur
   Date :23-Nov-2020

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Staff Reporter :
 
Three earthquakes of 4.3, 1.8 and 2.7 magnitude jolt both cities Balaghat also records a tremor of 2.4 magnitude
 
 
Seoni district of Madhya Pradesh once again experienced back-to-back three earthquakes on Sunday, November 22. The first tremor, which was of 4.3 magnitude on Richter scale, was also felt in some parts of Nagpur district at 1.45 am. The epicentre of the earthquake was some kilometres away from Seoni and city, as reported by the National Centre for Seismology (NCS). According to preliminary data, the quake was located at a shallow depth of 10 km. Shallow earthquakes are felt more strongly than deeper ones as they are closer to the surface. As per the Seoni district administration, there was no report of any casualty or damage to property so far. However, people ran out of their homes in panic and spent sleepless night on roads. Based on the preliminary seismic data, the quake was probably felt by many people in the area of the epicentre. It should not have caused significant damage, other than objects falling from shelves, broken windows, etc. Weak shaking might have been felt in Seoni which is located 19 km from the epicentre. It was 98 km to North-East away from the Nagpur city.
 
The second earthquake of 1.8 magnitude was recorded two hours after the first tremors. The second one was very mild and it have hardly caused any damage. The epicentre of the quake was 110 km to North-East of Nagpur city. It also occurred at the depth of 10 kms. The third and the final tremor felt at 6.23 am which was of 2.7 magnitude on Richter scale. The third tremor felt at 90 kms away from Nagpur city. It may be noted that Jabalpur district of Madhya Pradesh (MP) has been included in seismic zone 3 where the danger of a massive earthquake looms large.
 
On May, 22, 1997, an earthquake of the magnitude of 6 had struck the city and took several lives and also destroyed property worth crores of rupees. Since then every small tremor frightens people of the city and adjoining districts. “A week zone has formed near Seoni which is likely to be the reason behind these tremors. We are working to find out the exact cause behind such activities,” said Rashtrapal Chavhan, Director and PRO, Geological Survey of India (GSI), Central Region to The Hitavada. In 2020, eight earthquakes were observed so far near Nagpur district. The first tremor of 2.6 magnitude was felt on April 23 in Wardha which is 71 kms from Nagpur. The second earthquake of magnitude 3.3 on Richter scale occurred 129 km South of Akola, the third incident took place on October 27 in Seoni which was 96 km away from Nagpur city, fourth and fifth tremors took place in Seoni on October 31 and now these three have raised eyebrows of the authorities. Earthquake Engineering Consultant, Dr Sandeep Shirkhedkar said, “All three events were observed on same Gawilgarh fault.
 
The 4.3 magnitude is now a matter of concern because all these events happened not far from Nagpur city.” MP CM asks Seoni district admn to stay alert n Jabalpur/ Bhopal Correspondent Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan sought detailed information from the Seoni district administration regarding tremors on the intervening night of November 21 and 22. Chouhan said that information about the precautions to be taken in the event of an earthquake should be made known to the people while maintaining constant contact with the Meteorology Department of the Government of India, so that there is no fear among the people. CM Chouhan said that the citizens should also be provided necessary counselling by the administration through various public media. The Seoni district administration is in constant contact with senior scientists of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). Instructions have been issued to maintain vigilance to protect the lives of people. The concerned officers and employees including Police, Home Guards, SDRF, Health and Urban Administration have been asked to remain alert while ensuring all arrangements.
 
2.4 M tremors felt in Balaghat also Balaghat district of Madhya Pradesh was also jolted after an earthquake of 2.4 magnitude was recorded on Richter scale on Sunday morning. The tremors were felt at 3.12 am and the epicentre was 105 kms away from Nagpur. Moderate magnitude tremors were also felt in Katangi, Kurai, Barghat and Keolari. According to National Centre for Seismology (NCS), the seismic activity took place in the depth of 10 km like other three activities felt in Seoni district.