3.4 magnitude earthquake strikes Himachal’s Mandi
Shimla, Apr 13 (PTI): A moderate-intensity earthquake, measuring 3.4 on the Richter scale, struck Himachal Pradesh's Mandi district on Sunday, officials said.
The depth of the earthquake, which struck near Mandi town at 9:18 am, was 5 km, the Met office said.
The epicentre was located at 31.49 degree latitude and 76.94 degree longitude in the Mandi region, it said.
No loss of life and property was reported from any part of the state so far, officials said.
The Mandi district falls under seismic zone 5, which is a high-damage risk zone.
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Bhatkal community distributed over 1.2 lakh kilos of rice to needy families ahead of Eid
Bhatkal: Ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, residents of Bhatkal and surrounding areas had distributed over 1.2 lakh kilograms of rice to economically disadvantaged families. The distribution formed part of the annual Fitra initiative coordinated by the Central Fitra Committee, which has been overseeing this programme for the past four decades.
In 2025, the campaign covered 1,859 families across towns and villages including Bhatkal, Honnavar, Kumta, Ankola, and Shirur. According to Maulana Mohammed Ilyas Jakati Nadwi, convener of the committee, 58 distribution zones were established to manage the process efficiently.
The initiative was supported by contributions from the Bhatkali diaspora in Gulf countries, who have regularly sent Fitra donations during Ramadan.
Most families received approximately 50 kilograms of rice, while larger households and those with disabled members were provided up to 100 kilograms. For the fourth year, the distribution included five kilograms of Basmati rice per family.
The campaign also reached the Sharavathi region, covering villages such as Gersuppa, Herangadi, and Saralgi, which have been included in recent years.
Local volunteers, youth groups, and religious organisations facilitated the distribution, which aimed to address essential needs and encourage community support.
Following the distribution, a review meeting was held at Mohkama Shariah Hall, organised by Cosmos Sports Center. The meeting was attended by representatives from Gulf-based Bhatkali Jamaats, local NGOs, scholars, and members of religious and educational institutions. Discussions focused on improving logistics, expanding outreach, and maintaining transparency in future campaigns.
