Kathmandu:  A 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck Nepal in the early hours of Friday, sending tremors across Bihar, Siliguri, and other neighbouring areas in India. The quake, which occurred at 2:51 a.m. local time, caused panic as it shook homes and woke residents.

The National Earthquake Monitoring and Research Centre confirmed that the epicentre was located in Bhairavkunda, Sindhupalchowk district, about 65 km east of Kathmandu. The tremors were felt in Nepal's central and eastern regions, with social media posts showing buildings and ceiling fans shaking in places like Patna, Sikkim, and Darjeeling. Reports from residents in bordering areas of India and Tibet also indicated they felt the jolt.

Despite the widespread tremors, no immediate reports of casualties or major structural damage have been confirmed. Local authorities continue to assess the situation.

Meanwhile, another earthquake with a magnitude of 4.5 was recorded in Pakistan at around 5:14 a.m. on Friday. The tremors were not limited to Nepal, with reports of shaking felt in surrounding areas as well.

Nepal's active seismic zone

Nepal lies in one of the world’s most active seismic zones—classified as Seismic Zones IV and V—where the Indian tectonic plate pushes into the Eurasian plate at a rate of about 5 cm annually. This tectonic movement generates immense stress beneath the Earth’s surface, which is often released as earthquakes. This frequent seismic activity is compounded by Nepal's young and unstable rock formations, which amplify the effects of quakes.

The country’s high population density in urban areas like Kathmandu, along with unregulated construction practices, increases the risk of casualties and damage. The devastating 2015 earthquake, which measured 7.8 in magnitude, claimed over 9,000 lives and caused widespread destruction.

Although no significant damage has been reported from Friday’s quake, authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant for possible aftershocks, as secondary tremors are common following major seismic events. Nepal's disaster response teams are actively monitoring the situation, and further updates will follow as assessments continue.

The German Research Centre for Geosciences recorded the earthquake with a slightly lower magnitude of 5.6 and a depth of 10 km (6.21 miles), highlighting some variation in seismic readings. Regardless of the exact magnitude, the event serves as a stark reminder of Nepal's vulnerability to earthquakes and the ongoing need for preparedness.