By Rohini Sridharan
On Sunday afternoon at 4:41pm, a powerful earthquake measuring 5.8 on the Richter scale struck Assam’s Guwahati, causing widespread tremors across the Northeast region, parts of North Bengal, and even reaching neighbouring Bhutan. The quake’s origin was pinpointed to Udalguri district, occurring at a shallow depth of just 5 kilometers, according to officials.
The shake was strong enough to be felt by residents not only in Assam but also in districts like Sonitpur, Tamulpur, and Nalbari, as well as in parts of western Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh. In the capital city of Arunachal Pradesh, Itanagar, people hurried out of their homes and shops in fear, reacting instinctively to the unexpected jolt.
Despite the intensity of the earthquake, there have been no confirmed reports of injuries or damages to buildings, offering some relief to the residents of the affected areas. Authorities, including the state disaster management department, have been actively keeping a watchful eye on the situation to ensure safety and swift response if required. Officials have emphasized that there is no immediate danger, reassuring the public to be calm.
The Northeast is well-known for its susceptibility to seismic activity, as it lies within a high-risk earthquake zone due to the ongoing tectonic movements between the Indian and Eurasian plates. Earthquakes are relatively common in this region, reminding locals of the importance of preparedness.
During the quake, many people in Guwahati were seen rushing out of their homes, startled by the sudden shaking. However, the community’s quick return to normalcy after the initial panic shows resilience in the face of natural disturbances. This event highlights both the region’s geological vulnerability and the readiness of its people and officials to handle such challenges.