An earthquake with a magnitude of 5.1 struck Assam’s Morigaon district early Monday morning. The tremor occurred at 04:17 a.m. on January 5, with its epicenter located at latitude 26.37 degrees N and longitude 92.29 degrees E at a depth of 50 km, as reported by the National Centre for Seismology (NCS).
Officials have confirmed that there were no immediate reports of injuries or damage to property. The earthquake was felt across central Assam and neighboring areas, causing a temporary stir among residents who were awakened by the early-morning shaking.
The region where the earthquake hit is known for frequent seismic activity due to underlying tectonic forces. Assam and the broader Northeast region are situated in one of India’s most earthquake-prone zones, facing high seismic risk classifications due to the convergence of the Indian Plate with the Eurasian and Burmese plates.
In September last year, Assam experienced a magnitude 5.8 earthquake that affected parts of the region, including Guwahati, with tremors felt in neighboring areas. Despite this, no significant damage was reported. Historical records also highlight major seismic events in the past, such as the 1897 Assam earthquake with a magnitude exceeding 8, which caused widespread destruction in the Brahmaputra valley and beyond.
Experts stress the importance of earthquake-resilient infrastructure and robust disaster preparedness measures in Assam and the Northeast due to the frequent occurrence of earthquakes. Enhancing public awareness, implementing stringent building codes, establishing early-warning systems, and ensuring community readiness are crucial steps to mitigate risks in this seismically active region.
