The Union Minister for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Harsh Vardhan advised people to keep calm and reassure others and not to spread rumors. He urged people to believe in reports based on only government advisories on Earth quakes. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences has been regularly monitoring the seismic activity in the region and issuing regular reports, advisories from time to time.
The following advisory was also issued by the IMD to be followed by all as there have been 34 several aftershocks so far.
During an earthquake:
- Keep calm and reassure others.
- During the event, the safest place is an open space, away from the buildings.
- If you are indoors, take cover under a desk, table, bed or doorways and against inside wall.
- Stay away glass door, glass panes, window or outside doors.
- Do not rush to go out of the building, where there are large number of people to avoid stampede.
- If you are outside, move away from building and utility wires.
- Once in the open, stay there till the vibrations stops.
- Don not use candles, matches or open flames.
After an earthquake:
- Do not spread and do not believe rumors.
- Keep stock of drinking water, foodstuff and first-aid equipment in accessible place.
- Turn on your transistor or television to get the latest information/bulletins and aftershock warnings.
- Be prepared for aftershocks as these may strike.
- Close the valve of kitchen gas stove, if it is on. If it is closed, do not open. Do not use open flames.
- Do not operate electric switches or appliances, if gas leaks are suspected.
- Check water pipes, electric lines and fittings. If damaged, shut off the main valves. Do not touch live wires of electricity.
The last of the aftershocks was reported at 1239 hrs today. It was the most sever one of all aftershocks so far at 6.9 magnitudes. Others are of magnitude of over 4.0.
