2009 Bhutan earthquake

{{Infobox earthquake

| title = 2009 Bhutan earthquake

| timestamp = 2009-09-21 08:53:05

| isc-event = 13788745

| anss-url = iscgem13788745

| local-date = {{Start date|2009|09|21|df=yes}}

| local-time = 14:53:05

| map2 = {{Location map | Bhutan

| relief =

| label =

| lat = 27.346

| long = 91.412

| mark = Bullseye1.png

| marksize = 50

| position = top

| width = 260

| float = right

| AlternativeMap =

| caption = }}

| magnitude = 6.1 {{M|w|link=y}}

| depth = {{convert|14|km|mi}}

| location = {{coord|27.346|N|91.412|E|display=inline,title}}

| countries affected = Bhutan
India
China

| tsunami =

| casualties = 12 dead, 15 injured{{cite news|url=https://kuenselonline.com/trashigang-is-prepared-for-disasters/|title=Trashigang is prepared for disasters|date=7 October 2017|access-date=12 September 2024|work=Kuensel Online}}

| intensity = {{MMI|VI}}

}}

The 2009 Bhutan earthquake occurred on 21 September at 14:53 BTT (08:53 UTC) in the eastern region of Bhutan with moment magnitude of 6.1. The epicenter was situated at {{convert|180|km}} east of the capital Thimphu, in Monggar District.[https://earthquake.usgs.gov/eqcenter/recenteqsww/Quakes/us2009lvap.php USGS profile] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091007170346/http://earthquake.usgs.gov/eqcenter/recenteqsww/Quakes/us2009lvap.php |date=2009-10-07 }}. United States Geological Survey. However, Bangladesh and northern India also felt it, with residents in Guwahati, Assam reporting cracks in buildings. The tremors were felt as far as Tibet.[http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/286603,seven-dead-as-quake-rocks-bhutan-india-and-tibet--summary.html Seven dead as quake rocks Bhutan, India and Tibet] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120905082044/http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/286603,seven-dead-as-quake-rocks-bhutan-india-and-tibet--summary.html |date=2012-09-05 }}. Earth Times. September 21, 2009.

At least eleven people are reported to have been killed—seven in Bhutan, four in India. The death toll, initially ten, increased when one more died in the night.[http://www.indianexpress.com/news/earthquake-kills-at-least-7-in-bhutan-shakes-assam/519737/ Earthquake kills at least 7 in Bhutan, shakes Assam]. The Indian Express. September 21, 2009.[http://www.bbs.com.bt/Earthquake%20hits%20Bhutan.html Earthquake hits Bhutan] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090926025659/http://www.bbs.com.bt/Earthquake%20hits%20Bhutan.html |date=2009-09-26 }}. Bhutan Broadcasting Service. September 21, 2009.[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8267067.stm Bhutan hit by strong earthquake] September 21, 2009. BBC.{{cite web|url=http://www.int.iol.co.za/index.php?from=rss_Asia&set_id=1&click_id=126&art_id=nw20090922081242779C908724|title=Bhutan quake: Death toll rises|date=2009-09-22|accessdate=2009-09-23|publisher=Independent Online}} At least fifteen were wounded.{{cite news|author=Wasbir Hussain|author-link=Wasbir Hussain|url=http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-world/strong-earthquake-kills-12-in-bhutan-20090922-fytk.html|title=Strong earthquake kills 12 in Bhutan|date=2009-09-22|accessdate=2009-09-23|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20091013075859/http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-world/strong-earthquake-kills-12-in-bhutan-20090922-fytk.html| archivedate= 13 October 2009 | url-status= live}} Many of the deaths in Bhutan came about when their houses fell in on top of them. The Indians were construction workers whose road fell through. At least 5,167 homes and buildings were damaged or destroyed.

One businessman said the earthquake happened as shopping was underway for the Blessed Rainy Day ceremony of Buddhism. Another inhabitant said it "made the surrounding hills look like they were throwing up dust" and that "the road was suddenly filled with boulders and mud". Thousands are living outdoors as a result. Children were crushed under structures as they caved in. Roads were blocked but these were cleaned up relatively quickly. Monasteries were also struck. People ran for their lives out of their homes.