Rescue and recovery operations are underway after an explosion at an illegal rat-hole coal mine in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills claimed 18 lives. An NDRF team reached the Thangskai area to assist local authorities. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma assured strict action against those responsible and announced Rs 3 lakh ex-gratia for the victims

As per the statement, the earthquake occurred at a depth of 20 km. The earthquake`s latitude was reported to be 24.85 North, and the longitude was reported to be 92.07 East