This quake may have caused surface fault ruptures. The quake caused widespread damage and thousands of people have been killed and injured. Several buildings collapsed throughout western India and the death toll is feared to be in excess of 15,000. Collapsed buildings are also reported in Pakistan and several deaths have occurred in various areas. In Ahmedabad, India several buildings collapsed and thousands of people are believed to have been killed and injured there alone.
Pictures show the city dotted with piles of rubble where multistory buildings once stood.
Many buildings were pancaked on the floors below and streets are filled with debris that fell from the structures. Many structures remain in unstable conditions and residents and officials are worried about failures from continued aftershocks. The quake hit as India was celebrating Republic Day, the anniversary of its transition to a republic in 1950. While schools and government buildings were closed, people were home relaxing during the holiday and this may have contributed to the high casualty rate. The initial jolt was sharply felt in Delhi and throughout much of India.