A 5.0-magnitude earthquake jolted Assam's Morigaon district early on February 27, 2025, at 2:25 AM, causing tremors felt as far as Guwahati and beyond. According to the National Center for Seismology (NCS), the earthquake struck at a depth of 16 kilometers, catching many residents off guard and prompting immediate responses on social media.
The NCS confirmed the earthquake's specifics on X, stating, "EQ of M: 5.0, On: 27/02/2025 02:25:40 IST, Lat: 26.28 N, Long: 92.24 E, Depth: 16 Km, Location: Morigaon, Assam." This seismic event is notable for occurring at night when most people are at rest, leading to heightened panic as anxious residents rushed out of their homes.
Responses on social media mirrored the urgency of the situation. One user asked, “Did you feel?” reflecting the collective experience of the shock. Others chimed in with impressions of the quake, with one stating, “It felt much stronger than 5 here in Arunachal,” and another pointed out, “Guwahati was freaking shaking at 2:25 AM.” Such expressions capture the suddenness and severity of the tremors.
The earthquake follows on the heels of another seismic event just days earlier—a 5.1 magnitude earthquake struck the Bay of Bengal on February 25, 2025, which was recorded at 6:10 AM at a depth of 91 kilometers. The tremors from this event were felt not only in Odisha but also panicked residents as far away as Kolkata. That quake was reported by the India Meteorological Department, which mentioned, "EQ of M: 5.1, On: 25/02/2025 06:10:25 IST, Lat: 19.52 N, Long: 88.55 E, Depth: 91 Km, Location: Bay of Bengal." Despite the worries raised by these tremors, officials from Odisha reported no casualties or significant damage due to the event's distance from populated areas.
Seismically, Assam is situated within one of India's most earthquake-prone zones, placing it under Seismic Zone V, which is categorized as high risk for strong earthquakes. The region has historically experienced significant seismic activity, including devastating earthquakes such as the 1950 Assam-Tibet earthquake, which measured 8.6 on the Richter scale, and the 1897 Shillong earthquake, which recorded 8.1.
Commentary and analysis from experts suggest the 5.0 magnitude earthquake can cause noticeable shaking of indoor items, rattling windows, and has the potential for minor damage depending on the building structure and the nature of the ground underneath. Experts consistently recommend preparedness, noting the need for residents to stay vigilant, especially living within such high-risk areas.
This event has reignited discussions about earthquake preparedness and infrastructure resilience within Assam. The state has made strides toward improving safety measures since numerous earthquakes have historically challenged building codes and emergency response mechanisms. Leaders and officials are emphasizing the need for continual awareness and preparedness for both residents and those visiting the famously seismic area.
While the tremors were alarming, there have, so far, been no reported injuries or damage following the April quake. Community leaders are urging citizens to remain calm, noting the necessity of following safety protocols during seismic events.
The experience of the quake serves as another reminder of Assam's unique geography among the diverse landscapes of India. It compels residents to balance their daily lives with the potential for such natural disturbances. Seismology experts continue to study the patterns within the region actively, seeking to understand the best preventative measures against these recurring natural phenomena.