A mild earthquake with a magnitude of 2.8 on the Richter scale struck Meghalaya’s West Khasi Hills district early on Sunday morning. The National Center for Seismology (NCS) reported the tremor at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers, making it more noticeable near the epicenter despite its low magnitude. Authorities have not received any immediate reports of casualties, injuries, or property damage, but residents in some areas felt light shaking.
Meghalaya and the northeastern region of India are known for being seismically active due to their geological complexity and proximity to active tectonic boundaries. The state of Meghalaya falls under Seismic Zone V, indicating a high earthquake vulnerability. The region experiences earthquakes of varying intensity throughout the year, with a history of devastating megaquakes. Experts emphasize the need for disaster preparedness and earthquake-resistant infrastructure in the area.
Northeast India has a history of strong earthquakes, such as the Great Assam Earthquake of 1950 and the Shillong Plateau earthquake of 1897, which caused widespread destruction. Recent seismic activities in Meghalaya include a magnitude 2.7 earthquake in West Khasi Hills on May 14 and a 2.9 magnitude tremor in South West Khasi Hills in March. The National Center for Seismology also recorded a 3.4 magnitude earthquake in West Khasi Hills in March. Seismic activities have been reported in other parts of Northeast India, including Nagaland, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh, underscoring the ongoing seismic activity in the earthquake-prone zone.
