The state Meteorological department in Lucknow, described the quake as of “moderate intensity” in Uttar Pradesh (UP). It has not ruled out the possibility of aftershocks. Earlier, on September 7, tremors had hit some areas of UP adjoining Delhi. However, on Sunday no causality of any kind was reported till reports last came in. State Met director, JP Gupta said that after shocks can occur in next 24 hours. UP residents shaken up by mild quake tremor when an earthquake said to be measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale with epicenter in Sikkim jolted north India.
Geologist Dhruvsen Singh, also faculty in the department of geology in Lucknow University, said that there is no seismometer in the state anywhere to measure earthquake. In some research institutes, small seismometers have been installed purely for research. The geology department of Lucknow University also has a seismometer installed by National Geophysical Research Institute, Hyderabad, for research activity. Experts at GSI said earthquake occurs when two plates below the earth surface either rub or collide with each other. This at times creates structural deformities known as “ridges” and “faults”, which can also cause tremors.
There is also no record of an earthquake with epicentre in Lucknow. This is the reason, that Lucknow has been placed under Zone 3 (moderate risk zone), they added. “”Tremors travel with a high velocity through rocks, causing extensive damage. However, their velocity reduces in loose segments. But with the retardation, the amplitude of waves increases as per the law of conservation of energy. High amplitude of the waves causes earth to vibrate vigorously, which can cause damage on the surface, particularly, if buildings in urban areas are not constructed as per laid down norms,”" they added.
