A magnitude 5.0 earthquake rattled Assam's Morigaon district early Thursday morning, sending tremors as far as Guwahati and raising alarms among residents across the region. The tremor struck at 2:25 AM IST, according to the National Center for Seismology (NCS), and occurred at a depth of 16 kilometers.
Reports indicate the earthquake was felt not only within Morigaon but also reverberated throughout other parts of Assam, including the capital city of Guwahati, and even reached areas of Meghalaya. Residents described the experience as unsettling, with many reporting momentary panic and confusion as buildings shook and windows rattled. Fortunately, initial assessments indicate no major damage or casualties have been reported, providing some relief to the authorities.
The NCS provided specific details about the seismic event, detailing the coordinates where it struck: "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," as stated on their social media platform.
Earthquakes are not uncommon for Assam, particularly due to its geographical positioning within one of India’s most earthquake-prone zones, classified as Seismic Zone V, meaning it's at high risk for significant tremors. The 5.0 magnitude quake, categorized as moderate, has the potential for noticeable shaking and minor impact but is typically manageable. The region has experienced several major earthquakes historically, including the catastrophic 8.6 magnitude Assam-Tibet earthquake of 1950 and the 8.1 magnitude earthquake of Shillong in 1897, which are among the strongest recorded.
This recent seismic activity follows another noteworthy event just days prior, when a magnitude 5.1 earthquake struck the Bay of Bengal, prompting tremors felt across Kolkata and some parts of West Bengal. That quake occurred at 6:10 AM on February 25, at a depth of 91 kilometers, showcasing the geological volatility of the broader region.
Seismologists noted the need for continued vigilance among residents, particularly since Assam's vulnerability to earthquakes has been well-documented over time. With the tremors felt on February 27, experts are urging individuals to remain prepared and informed about safety protocols during such events.
While the government has deployed teams to assess any potential damages and monitor the situation closely, the lack of serious aftereffects reported so far has eased fears among locals. Emergency services are on standby to respond should any unexpected developments arise following the quake.
The incident has once again highlighted the importance of earthquake preparedness and infrastructure resilience, especially as communities rebuild and reinforce their policies and frameworks to tackle future seismic occurrences.
For now, Assam remains on high alert as residents go about their daily routines, ever-conscious of the earth beneath their feet and the history of tremors past.