No casualties reported; tremors felt across several talukas in Maharashtra district
Mumbai: Panic gripped Nashik district in Maharashtra after an earthquake of magnitude 4.3 jolted some areas of the district on Saturday night. The quake triggered tremors at several places and causing cracks in some houses. However, no casualties or loss of life have been reported so far, said district officials.
An earthquake of 4.3 magnitude struck Nashik at 10 pm on Saturday, followed by a tremor of 3.3 magnitude at 5.33 am on Sunday, as per the National Centre for Seismology (NCS). Additionally, tremors were reportedly felt in rural areas stretching from Kasara Ghat to the vicinity of Ramshet Fort. The seismic activity was recorded at a depth of 5 km in the Bhanwad area, near the Hatgad mountain range along the Maharashtra-Gujarat border, officials said.
Tremors were felt in several parts of Nashik district, including Nashik city, Surgana, Kalwan, Deola, Chandwad, Peth, Dindori and Niphad talukas, triggering panic among residents, many of whom rushed out of their homes, district administration officials said.
“As of now, there is no preliminary information about any loss of life in the district. Citizens should take necessary precautions without panicking. If cracks are noticed in the walls, ceilings or structural elements of buildings, people should avoid staying in such places. Those living in houses made of stone and mud should exercise greater caution,” said Disaster Management Minister Girish Mahajan.
Earlier, tremors were recorded in the district from July 25 to 28 and also on August 6. While mild tremors had been felt in rural areas of Nashik over the past few days, the fact that they were also felt in urban areas on Saturday night has heightened public concern.
Meanwhile, the administration has urged citizens not to panic, noting that the earthquake's intensity was relatively low. “People should not fear. They should not believe any rumours. However, everyone should remain alert and take safety precautions,” district Collector Ayush Prasad said.
As tremors have been felt in rural areas over the last few days, the administration has begun taking increased precautionary measures. The administration is closely monitoring the situation, and residents are urged to remain calm and vigilant. Citizens have been advised not to believe rumors and to follow official instructions issued by the authorities, said officials.
