6.1 magnitude earthquake hits Arunachal Pradesh; tremors felt in Tibet, Nepal

Representational image (Photo: IStock)


A strong 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck Arunachal Pradesh early Wednesday, the US Geological Survey said.

The epicentre of the shallow earthquake was about 40 kilometres (25 miles) southeast of Along, and 180 kilometres southwest of the state capital Itanagar. It struck at 1:45 am.

Arunachal Pradesh is the least densely populated state, but is still home to more than 1.2 million people, according to the state government’s website.

China’s official state news agency Xinhua said the earthquake was felt in Tibet, which neighbours the state.

According to the National Emergency Operation Centre, an earthquake with a magnitude of 4.8 on the Richter Scale hit Kathmandu, Nepal at 6:14. Earthquakes with magnitudes of 5.2 and 4.3 hit Naubise in Dhading district of Nepal at 6:29 am and 6:40 am respectively.

New Delhi and Beijing for decades have disputed control of Arunachal Pradesh — a dispute that remains unresolved.

India considers Arunachal Pradesh one of its northeastern states, while China claims about 90,000 square kilometres (34,750 square miles) of the territory.

Arunachal Pradesh also borders Myanmar and Bhutan.

(With agency Inputs)