A 6.7 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Northeastern India

A major earthquake struck northeastern India, near the borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh, in the early hours of Monday, January 3rd. Hundreds of citizens from these countries fled their homes in fear and took to the streets. At least five deaths have been officially confirmed so far, with at least one of the victims being a Bangladeshi citizen. Initial reports indicate that dozens have been injured following the earthquake, which has been measured at a magnitude of 6.7. On the other hand, the Indian Express website reported an initial death toll of six in India and 35 injuries. The United States Geological Survey estimated the earthquake's depth at 29 kilometers below the surface, located west and northwest of Imphal, the capital of Manipur state in India. The earthquake occurred at 4:37 AM local time. Preliminary reports indicate that dozens of buildings and residential areas have been damaged or destroyed. According to a resident of Imphal quoted by AFP, 'When the earthquake struck, almost everyone was asleep and fell from their beds.' This Indian citizen stated that people were crying and praying in the streets, and many had not returned home for hours after the earthquake due to fears of severe aftershocks. A similar situation has been reported in Guwahati, in Assam, another northeastern state of India. Senior Indian officials, including the President of the country, have stated they are in contact with state officials in Assam and are awaiting reports on the current situation. Power has been cut in some earthquake-affected areas.