6.7 magnitude earthquake hits India’s Jewish community

JTA – A 6.7 magnitude earthquake struck northeastern India, inflicting damage on the infrastructure of the Jewish community of Churachandpur.

The nonprofit Shavei Israel reported in a statement Jan. 4 that the homes and property of the Bnei Menashe community there had incurred “extensive damage.” No one in the community of 7,000 was harmed.

“We are in touch with the leaders of the Bnei Menashe community throughout northeastern India. Miraculously no one in the community was harmed, but we are concerned by reports of damage to homes and property,” Shavei Israel Chairman and Founder Michael Freund said.

The earthquake struck at 4:35 a.m. local time Jan. 4, 20 miles northwest of Imphal, the capital of Manipur. At least six people were killed and at least 79 were injured.

Shavei Israel has set up a relief fund for victims affected by the earthquake.