Post-quake panic, but no damage

Sukhmeet Bhasin

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Tribune News Service

Bathinda, October 26

A high-intensity earthquake struck the Hindukush region in Afghanistan today, tremors of which were felt in several parts of north India, including Bathinda and the region at around 2.45 pm. The earthquake was measured at 7.5 on the Richter scale, but no damage and casualty has been reported in the city.

According to reports, the earthquake lasted for more than 60 seconds. Bathinda Tribune got in touch with residents of the city who shared what they felt.

The tremors caused panic among people who started rushing out from commercial and residential buildings to roads as a precautionary measure.

“I felt the tremors while I was at office. The lamp above my desk was shaking. This is for the first time that I have felt an earthquake of such intensity. All the members of our staff rushed out of the office. We were relieved that it caused no harm,” said Sanjiv Gupta, who works at a bank.

Sidhant Gupta, owner of a hotel on the Mall Road said he was at his hotel when he saw people rushing out. He asked the hotel staff about it and within in no time all the things started shaking and everyone rushed out, he added.

Other shopkeepers at the Mall Road also came out of their shops after feeling the tremors.

“It lasted for a few seconds but it was strong. This is for the first time that the city has been shaken by an earthquake of such a high intensity. The last time, tremors were not this strong,” said a shopkeeper.

Gurjant Singh, working with a private company, said, “I saw my computer shaking. Before I could say a word, I saw my colleagues running towards the door. Within seconds, all my colleagues reached the ground floor.”

“I was sitting in my shop when a cup on my table starting shaking and we ran out,” said Lohit Bansal, an owner of a shop on Amrik Singh Road.