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After two quakes in a row, Rajasthan in for aftershocks

Special Correspondent

JAIPUR: Two earthquakes of moderate intensity reported in Alwar and Sambhar towns of Rajasthan on two successive days this past week -- November 29 and 30 -- pointed to a single tectonic event and released the pressure building up in the region for quite some time. The aftershocks of low magnitude may occur in other parts of the State in the near future to facilitate further release of energy, said the Deputy Director-General of the Geological Survey of India (GSI), R. S. Goyal, here on Saturday.

Dr. Goyal said the two quakes did not cause any major damage as they involved linear movements of tectonic plates.

The GSI swung into action to study the tectonic phenomenon after the two tremors in succession and sent its teams of scientists to both the towns. While the magnitude of the first quake was measured at 3.9 on Richter scale, that of the second was 2.9.

Dr. Goyal told reporters that though the two locations were wide apart in terms of the land distance, and the capital city of Jaipur falling between them was not affected, the seismological disturbances had pointed to the storage of energy in tectonic plates which would be gradually released.

He said though there was little likelihood of any major earthquake in the State, all building codes should be followed to avoid any loss of life and property, as Alwar district falls in the high damage risk zone.

Other areas forming part of the zone are Barmer and Jalore in south-western Rajasthan.

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