SHILLONG: The city which had witnessed tragedy in the 1897 earthquake, was spared this time when the 7. 5 Richter scale ‘great intensity’ earthquake shook the neighouring Nepal and other areas on Saturday.
Though the tremor was felt in Shillong Tura and adjoining areas at 11. 41 am, the epicenter was in Nepal and adjoining areas.
An official with the Upper Shillong Seismological Observatory said that the tremor which was categorized as great intensity was felt only mildly in Shillong and adjoining areas thereby not resulting in any damage.
When contacted, the East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner Sanjay Goyal said that there was no report of any damage from any part of the district.
“We are on alert though the earthquake did not create any impact in Shillong,” Goyal said
Under the district emergency disaster plan, several mock drills were conducted in parts of the state and also in schools to create awareness in the past.
The Deputy Commissioner, however, admitted there is a need to look into the safety standards at many buildings constructed haphazardly in parts of city.
The Deputy Commissioner o f West Garo Hills Pravin Bakshi said that though the earthquake was felt in Tura, no damage was reported.
He further said that village level disaster management committees will be re constituted for creating awareness on all aspects related to earthquake and other calamities.
