Bihar worst affected in India, at least 25 dead

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In Patna, two tremors were felt in a space of half an hour. The first tremor lasted for about two minutes, and walls of several buildings, including apartment blocks and malls, developed cracks. People ran for cover to to open fields, and some drove down to Veterinary College ground near airport for safety.

As TV news channels reported a series of aftershocks, most residents stayed put at ground floors of buildings. About town, people related their tales of fear and escape. Jayant Kumar, a chief engineer with water resources department, said: “Just as I was crossing Mahatma Gandhi bridge, I felt the wheels of my vehicle were coming off. When I stopped, I saw the bridge shaking. I thought the bridge would fall, but realised it was an earthquake.”

On the way to Nepal from Patna, residents of Hajipur, Vaishali and Kesaria had tales of escape. Rumours and apprehensions of aftershocks were abound. “Can there be confirmation if more aftershocks will follow”, asked Saket Kumar,, a Vaishali resident.

Nitish Kumar appealed people to show restraint and stay away from rumours. “All senior officials are in the field. It is time for cumulative responsibility”, said the CM. RJD chief Lalu Prasad, who had been also discussing modalities of the Janta Parivar merger, said state was bigger than a political party.