Natural Disaster: Moderate earthquake rattles Rukum, Nepal – Strongest fresh earthquake after April 25

Saturday, June 20, 2015

Moderate earthquake rattles Rukum, Nepal – Strongest fresh earthquake after April 25

Magnitude 5.4 earthquake hit Rukum district of Mid Western Development Region, Nepal Seismological Center reported.

The earthquake rattled Rukum district at 06:08 pm local time. It occurred at 6.2 miles depth.

The epicenter was located near Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve. This is the first fresh earthquake above 5 magnitude recorded in Nepal after the Great Quake of April 25. Earlier, fresh earthquakes were recorded in Udayapur and Humla.

The United States Geological Center (USGS) kept the magnitude at 4.7 with epicenter located 52 km ENE of Salyan. No immediate damage or injuries have been recorded.

Meanwhile, at least 326th aftershock of magnitude 4 or greater recorded since the April 25 major earthquake. Magnitude 4.2 aftershock was recorded in Gorkha/Dhading border region at 02:40 am today. The epicenter was located near Manbu.

Earthquake in Nepal has claimed lives of at least 8,792 people. The highest number of fatalities have been reported from Sindhupalchowk (3,440), followed by Kathmandu (1,222).

Nepal earthquake has also shifted Mount Everest, the world's highest peak, by three centimeters (1.2 inches) to the southwest, Chinese authorities said.

12:23 UTC (local time: 18:08; 2015-06-20 @ epicenter)