A massive earthquake with a magnitude of 6.4 on the Richter Scale hit Sonitpur area of Assam today at around 7:51 AM, said National Center for Seismology.
As per the early inputs, the first earthquake was centred 43 km west of Tezpur in Assam. EMSC said that the quake was at a depth of 10 km (6.21 miles).
Following the first massive earthquake, two 4.3 and 4.4 aftershocks took place with one at around 7:55 am and another a few minutes after that. The earthquake originated in Assam and tremors were felt in North Bengal, Meghalaya and other parts of the Northeast.
News agency ANI quoted Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal saying, "Big earthquake hits Assam. I pray for the well-being of all and urge everyone to stay alert. Taking updates from all districts."
Assam Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also took to his official Twitter handle to inform about the development. "Just experienced a massive earthquake in Assam. Waiting for details," Sarma said. He posted a few visuals of damage accured in parts of Guwahati post earthquake.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal regarding the earthquake in parts of the state. He assured all possible help from the Centre. "I pray for the well-being of the people of Assam," PM Modi said.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also spoke to Sonowal to assess the condition in different parts of the state after the earthquake. He said the Central govt stands firmly with sisters and brothers of Assam.
This is the second such incident within a month. Earlier on April 5, earthquake tremors felt in parts of Assam, Bihar and West Bengal. National Center for Seismology had reported that earthquake of magnitude 5.4 on the Richter scale occurred near the Sikkim-Nepal border