India: Earthquake - Oct 1991

Major earthquake occurred in India in mountainous area approx 250 km NE New Delhi on 20 October at 02.53 hrs local time (19 oct 21.23 hrs GMT). Us geological survey reports preliminary magnitude and position to 7.1 on Richter scale, latitude 30,8 degrees north, longitude 78,9 degrees east. New Delhi seismological observatory measured quake at 6.1 on Richter scale. (UN DHA, 21 Oct 1991)

Following contacts with government, UNDRO/UNDP representative reports earthquake in west Uttar Pradesh hills took maximum toll in Uttarkashi district, where more than 500 villages destroyed and according to official sources at least 275 people died in collapsed houses and landslides. Total death toll presently feared to exceed 1,000 with high number of people injured. (UN DHA, 21 Oct 1991)