Gangtok/Siliguri:

A series of 12 earthquake tremors hit Sikkim late Thursday night, with moderate to strong shocks felt across North Bengal, including Siliguri, Kalimpong, and Darjeeling, causing brief panic among residents.

As per the National Centre for Seismology, the strongest earthquake measured 4.6 on the Richter scale and struck near Pelling at 1:01 am, with the epicenter located 10 km beneath the surface. Another tremor of 4.0 magnitude was reported near Sokey, followed by several low-intensity aftershocks between 1:00 am and 3:00 am.

People reported shaking buildings and sudden vibrations, prompting many to rush outdoors. However, no casualties or major damage have been reported so far.

Experts stated that Sikkim falls under a high seismic zone due to the ongoing collision between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, making the region vulnerable to frequent earthquakes. Authorities have advised residents to remain alert for aftershocks and adhere to safety guidelines.