Magnitude 5.1 Earthquake Hits Assam's Morigaon District
Seismic Activity in Assam
Guwahati, January 5: An earthquake measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale struck the Morigaon district of Assam early on Monday morning, highlighting the ongoing seismic risks faced by the northeastern region and prompting discussions on preparedness in light of recent seismic events, according to officials.
The earthquake occurred at 4:17 AM on January 5, with its epicenter pinpointed at a latitude of 26.37 degrees N and longitude of 92.29 degrees E, at a depth of 50 kilometers, as reported by the National Centre for Seismology (NCS).
Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of injuries or property damage following the tremor.
The quake was felt across central Assam and in surrounding areas, causing a brief alarm among residents who were awakened by the shaking.
The NCS confirmed the occurrence, noting that this region is known for its frequent seismic activity due to tectonic forces at play. Assam and the larger Northeast region are classified as high seismic risk zones due to the collision of the Indian Plate with the Eurasian and Burmese plates.
Research indicates that this tectonic environment leads to regular seismic events, making cities like Guwahati and areas within the Brahmaputra valley particularly susceptible to earthquakes of various magnitudes.
In September of the previous year, a 5.8 magnitude earthquake affected parts of Assam, including Guwahati, with tremors felt in neighboring regions, although no significant damage was reported.
Historical data reveals that the region has experienced major seismic incidents, including the catastrophic 1897 Assam earthquake, which exceeded a magnitude of 8 and resulted in extensive destruction throughout the Brahmaputra valley and beyond.
Experts stress that the regularity of earthquakes, even those of moderate intensity, underscores the necessity for earthquake-resistant infrastructure and comprehensive disaster preparedness strategies throughout Assam and the Northeast.