6.9Mw earthquake in India, Nepal and Tibet

A 6.9 Mw earthquake hast struck India, Nepal and Tibet, causing at least 18 casualties. Much damage has occurred, and landslides have been triggered by the seismic event, blocking remote regions and breaking communication with the most affected areas.

Early calculations locate the hypocentre at 19.7 km depth, underneath the Sikkim region of India. The focal mechanism solution indicates a likely strike-slip movement in a fault which doesn't seem to be directly related with the India-Eurasia thrusting.

This earthquake is related with the convergence of the Indian subcontinent moving towards Eurasia, a phenomenon that causes the uplift of the Himalayan range.

More info at:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-14967812

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-14967857

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eqinthenews/2011/usc0005wg6/#summary