5.6-magnitude Bhutan earthquake triggers aftershocks in Sikkim, North Bengal

A 5.6 magnitude earthquake struck Bhutan late on Sunday night (June 7) and sent tremors across Sikkim and several districts of North Bengal, PTI quoted officials as saying.

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake occurred at 11:06 p.m. near Punakha, Bhutan. The German Research Center for Geosciences (GFZ) said the earthquake had a magnitude of 5.6 and occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers.

The tremors lasted for several seconds and were felt in parts of northeastern India, prompting residents to leave their homes as a precaution.

No immediate reports of damage or casualties

Authorities said there were no immediate reports of loss of life, injuries or damage to property in either Sikkim or West Bengal.

The authorities continued to monitor the situation after the earthquake.

A representative of the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority said the situation was being closely monitored, though no untoward incidents were reported.

Residents rush outside after feeling tremors

Residents of Gangtok and other parts of Sikkim reported feeling tremors shortly after 11:00 p.m.

Many people temporarily left their homes and buildings after the tremors.

“The tremors were felt for several seconds,” residents said, describing the tremors as brief but noticeable.

North Bengal felt the tremors

The earthquake was also felt in several districts of North Bengal bordering Bhutan.

Residents of Siliguri, Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar reported experiencing tremors and came out of their residences as a precaution.

Local officials confirmed that no injuries or property damage were reported from those areas.

There was an earthquake near Punakha

According to the USGS, the epicenter of the earthquake was located near Punakha, one of the main administrative regions of Bhutan.

The GFZ said the earthquake occurred at a shallow depth of 10 km, which can often make tremors more noticeable over a wider area.

Authorities in Bhutan reported no significant damage in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake.

Situation under supervision

Disaster management and local authorities in the affected regions said they were monitoring developments and assessing whether there were any aftershocks.

No major earthquake-related disturbances or emergencies were reported in Sikkim or North Bengal.