Patna,(BiharTimes): Even as the death toll in earthquake in Bihar on Tuesday (May 12) rose to 20––including two in Patna––chief minister Nitish Kumar appealed to the people not to get panicky and be carried away by the rumours, especially generated by the social media.

Talking to the media he said as nobody can predict earthquake people should maintain cool and fight the situation bravely.He said normally earthquakes do not kill, in fact house collapse, stampede and panic do. So the people should avoid them to minimize the casualty. Those living in big houses should see whether cracks have developed or not. They should inform the government and take precaution. The government has made preparations in this regard after the last earthquake.

He said several private houses and government buildings, including the bungalow of Magadh divisional commissioner at Gaya has developed cracks.“I have given instruction throughout the state that if the people want to stay in open all arrangements would be made for water and power. There would be static force. Do not pay heed to rumours,” he said.

How can fear of quake be spread when no technology can predict it.The chief minister condoled the death of the people.