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Newspaper reports create panic

Dilip Gohil in Ahmedabad

'Another quake within 48 hours' screamed the headlines in two eveningers in Rajkot on Sunday. Soon, the entire town was out on the roads. And there they stayed till early morning.

Another eveninger in Ahmadabad quoted Chief Minister Keshubhai Patel as saying that more earthquake shocks were imminent. Ahmadabad too spent a sleepless night and the rumble of even a passing truck sent people rushing out of their houses.

The worst may be over now, but people want to know why rumour mongers and irresponsible publications were allowed to play on their fears. And more importantly, how could the chief minister himself be party to such a mischief?

The CM's secretariat maintains that Patel was misquoted. They say he had said that some "aftershocks" were expected and that people should not take chances.

That, however, is not entirely true. The chief minister did use the word bhukamp, when he should have said anchaka, which is Gujarati for tremors or aftershocks.

Had Keshubahi used the right words, people would have been saved of much inconvenience, though he can't really be blamed for erring on the side of caution.

Meanwhile, last 24 hours have passed without any major tremors and people have begun returning to their businesses. Some shops were seen open on Monday morning.

The Complete Coverage

OTHER SITES WITH INFORMATION
ON THE GUJARAT EARTHQUAKE:
panjokutch.com
kutchinfo.com
ahmedabad.com

EXTERNAL LINKS
The RD Killer Quake of Jan 26, 2001: Technical details
All about earthquakes in India and their impact
India Meteorological Department's earthquake reports
Disaster relief set-up in India
Major earthquakes across the world in recent times
A post-quake volunteer's unusual tryst with the departed
Earthquake News: Web site offering comprehensive news, information and features
Earthquake site map
USGS: Earthquake Hazards Program

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