Earthquake jolts North India, Centre takes stock of situation

New Delhi [India], Feb. 7(ANI): Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has asked for a detailed report on earthquake which jolted North India and ordered the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to be on high alert to take care of the situation in case of any casualty. An earthquake measuring 5.8 on the Richter Scale, struck Uttarakhand late on Monday night. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the tremors took place at 10.33 p.m. with a depth of 33 kilometres. According to reports, the tremors were felt for almost 30 seconds in Uttarakhand, Dehradun and the national capital region. "The MHA is closely monitoring the situation in earthquake-hit Uttarakhand and other north Indian states where the tremors have been felt. The NDRF teams have been rushed from Ghaziabad to Uttarakhand to conduct rescue and relief operations, if the situation arises," Home Minister's office said in a series of tweets. The quake caused tremors that were felt across northern India. Two teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been rushed to Rudraprayag to conduct relief and rescue operations should the need arise. A clear picture of the effect of the quake on the region is yet to emerge. The quake brought people out of their homes across Uttarakhand, as well as other cities across northern India. However, Inspector General of Police, Garhwal region, Sanjay Gunjyal told ANI that there is no information of any loss of life/property. Residents were seen running out of buildings onto the streets for safety.(ANI)