Kathmandu, Feb 28 (NationPress) A 6.1 magnitude earthquake shook Nepal in the early hours of Friday, sending tremors through Bihar, Siliguri, and other nearby locations in India, jolting residents awake.

The National Earthquake Monitoring and Research Centre reported that the epicentre was located in Bhairavkunda, Sindhupalchowk district, approximately 65 km east of Kathmandu.

The quake occurred at 2:51 a.m. local time, causing widespread panic in the central and eastern parts of Nepal.

Assessments regarding the impact of the earthquake are ongoing, but there have been no initial reports of casualties or significant damage. Social media has been flooded with images showing buildings and ceiling fans swaying in Patna, Sikkim, and Darjeeling.

Residents in adjacent regions of India and Tibet also reported experiencing the tremors.

Though there have been no immediate reports of serious injuries or structural harm, local officials continue to evaluate the situation.

In a related event, another earthquake measuring 4.5 on the Richter Scale was recorded in Pakistan, occurring around 5:14 a.m. on Friday.

The seismic activity was not limited to Nepal.

Nepal resides in one of the most seismically active regions globally, categorized as Seismic Zones IV and V, making earthquakes a frequent hazard.

This country is positioned on a major fault line where the Indian tectonic plate collides with the Eurasian plate at a rate of approximately 5 cm annually.

This tectonic movement not only elevates the Himalayan mountains but also builds immense stress underground. When this stress exceeds the rock's strength, it triggers an earthquake, elucidating the regular seismic occurrences in Nepal and the broader Himalayan region.

Nepal's geological composition, characterized by young and unstable rock formations, escalates the impact of earthquakes. A high population density in urban areas like Kathmandu, coupled with unregulated building practices, greatly heightens the risk of fatalities and destruction.

The devastating earthquake of 2015, which reached a magnitude of 7.8, resulted in over 9,000 deaths and left more than a million structures damaged or destroyed.

Given this history, even moderate quakes prompt concerns about potential aftershocks and long-term repercussions.

Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant for possible aftershocks, as secondary tremors frequently follow major seismic events.

Nepal's disaster response teams are actively monitoring the situation, with further updates anticipated as evaluations progress.

The German Research Center for Geosciences recorded the earthquake at a marginally lower magnitude of 5.6 and a depth of 10 km (6.21 miles), indicating potential discrepancies in seismic measurements.

Regardless of the precise magnitude, this incident underscores Nepal's susceptibility to earthquakes and the critical need for preparedness.