M A I N   N E W S

Tremors felt in several states

MUMBAI, Jan 27 (UNI) — The earthquake that hit the country yesterday leaving a trail of destruction in Gujarat, had a moderate impact on Maharashtra, with reports of three incidents of collapse of walls in Nasik city and a few buildings in Mumbai developing cracks.

There were no reports of any casualty from any part of the state. Panic gripped the metropolis as the people, in the midst of morning chores and preparations for Republic Day festivities, were jolted at 8.46 a.m.

The impact of the tremor lasted over 40 seconds. People rushed out into the open for safety, fearing aftershocks.

Apart from Mumbai and adjoining areas like Thane and Navi Mumbai, other parts of the state including Kolhapur, Raigad, Satara, Koyna, Nasik, Jalgaon, Pune, Nanded, Amrawati, Dhule, Akola, Buldhana and other areas experienced mild tremors.

CHENNAI: Panic-stricken people ran out of their houses and walls of buildings developed cracks as Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Pondicherry experienced an earthquake of minor intensity on Friday morning.

The tremor resulted in no casualties, but disrupted the Republic Day celebrations for some time in Pondicherry where the spectators tried to leave the Indira Gandhi Stadium.

PATNA: Mild tremors were felt in the capital of Bihar and other parts of the state at around 8.55 a.m. on Friday.

No loss of life or property had been reported from any part of the state so far, state fire brigade sources said.

LUCKNOW: Mild tremors were felt in various parts of Uttar Pradesh, including the capital, the industrial city of Kanpur and the nearby district of Unnao, on Friday morning.

However, no casualty or loss of property was reported from any part of the state, official sources said.

AJMER: As many as 14 aftershocks of mild intensity were recorded at the seismological observatory here. This was stated by the observatory in charge, Mr I.P. Singh, on Saturday.

KOLKATA: An earthquake of moderate to high intensity shook parts of eastern India, with mild tremors felt in and around the metropolis at around 8.50 a.m. on Friday, the Director of the regional metereological office, Mr R.N. Goldar said.

Rly rushes 600-member team
Tribune News Service and UNI

NEW DELHI, Jan 27 — Fingers crossed in hope and with a prayer on their lips, about 400 persons left here today by a special train for Ahmedabad to know the condition of their near and dear ones in the quake-hit Gujarat.

The train, ferrying the relatives of the quake victims free of cost, left from the Old Delhi Railway Station at about 5.15 p.m.

Comprising 11 sleeper class coaches and two brake-vans, the train would go via Rewari.

A Northern Railway spokesperson said about 400 persons availed of the free passes issued from three specially set-up counters at the station.

Further trains would be run on demand, she added.

The decision to run special trains from five major cities — Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore and Mumbai — was announced after a meeting of the Crisis Management Group here this morning.

Meanwhile, the Northern Railway has rushed a 600-member team led by the Western Railway General Manager to restore the railway infrastructure in Gujarat and western Rajasthan, which has suffered “extensive” damage, the Minister of State for Railways, Mr O. Rajagopal, said here today.

Although full details of the damage were being collected, approximately 100 railway stations, 15 cabins, 350 staff quarters and 36 bridges had been affected in the four divisions of Bhavnagar, Ajmer, Ahmedabad and Vadodara, the minister told newspersons.

Meanwhile, the Indian Airlines flew over 1,000 persons to various cities in Gujarat today, mobilising all available resources to meet the exigencies of the situation caused by the earthquake.

The airline, which will carry all relief consignments for the quake victims free of charge, operated two additional flights from Delhi to Ahmedabad, apart from two scheduled services, flying approximately 310 persons from the Capital, a release said.

From Mumbai, the airline operated four flights to Ahmedabad, including an additional one, taking 484 passengers.

It also took out two flights from Mumbai to Jamnagar, carrying 238 persons, who will be given surface transportation to Bhuj, the worst-affected city. The flights were originally intended to land at Bhuj but had to be diverted to Jamnagar as there is no parking space available due to heavy air force activity there.

The airline said it was committed to operating additional flights from Mumbai and Delhi for the next few days in order to meet the increased demand.

Yesterday, 850 passengers were flown to various cities in Gujarat, from Mumbai and Delhi.