Strong earthquake, measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale, hits Odisha, but no signs of damage detected.
A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 5.1 struck the region of Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India, early Tuesday morning at around 6:10 am. The National Center for Seismology reported the earthquake, which was the strongest to hit the area in the past 18 years.
The epicenter of the earthquake was in the Bay of Bengal, approximately 286 km east of Puri, Odisha. The earthquake was felt for several seconds in several districts of Odisha, including Balasore and Paradip, causing panic and fear among the residents.
The earthquake was also felt in parts of West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh. Fortunately, no immediate reports of damage or casualties were reported. However, the earthquake triggered minor landslides in some hilly areas of Odisha.
In response to the earthquake, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) have deployed teams to the affected areas for any potential rescue operations.
The Indian Meteorological Department issued a tsunami alert following the earthquake, but later withdrew it. The earthquake was recorded by seismographs across India and neighboring countries.
The exact location of the earthquake hypocenter was approximately 20 kilometers deep, near Bhubaneswar in the state of Odisha. The depth of the earthquake was approximately 10 km below the surface.
This significant earthquake serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and the need for swift action in the event of natural disasters. The authorities are working diligently to assess the situation and ensure the safety of the affected communities.