4 earthquakes jolt Marathwada in under two hours; no casualties reported

CHHATRAPATI SAMBHAJINAGAR: As many as four earthquake were felt in Hingoli, Nanded, Parbhani and Latur districts of Marathwada between 1.37 am and 3.23 am on Thursday, causing panic among residents.The seismic activity was recorded at 1.37 am, 2.15 am, 2.17 am and 3.23 am of 4.6, 3.6, 3.9 and 4.1 magnitude on the Richter scale, respectively, Disaster Management Department authorities said adding that the epicentre of the earthquakes was in Shirli village in Vasmat taluka of Hingoli district. According to preliminary information, there was no loss of life or property due to the first-of-its-kind back to back earthquakes in Marathwada. Hingoli district collector Rahul Gupta said citizens must not believe in unverified messages or rumors circulating on social media regarding the earthquake"Official information should be obtained only from the district administration, district disaster management cell and official channels of the government. In case of any emergency or possible damage, citizens should immediately contact the local administration or district disaster management cell," he said Marathwada has grim memories of 1993 Latur earthquake that had killed hundreds of people followed by more recent swarms of mild and moderate tremors in parts of the region, including Hingoli and Latur districts among other areas.