3.8-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Assam, Tremors Felt In Darrang

An earthquake measuring 3.8 on the Richter scale struck Assam on Saturday, with tremors felt in Darrang district, according to the National Center for Seismology. The nodal agency for monitoring seismic activity in India said in a post on X that the quake occurred at a shallow depth of 5 km.

Earlier in the afternoon, a separate earthquake of magnitude 2.9 was reported in Nepal.

Shallow earthquakes are considered more dangerous than deeper ones because the seismic energy is released closer to the Earth's surface, leading to stronger ground shaking. This significantly increases the risk of structural damage and potential casualties. In contrast, earthquakes that originate at greater depths tend to lose much of their intensity before the tremors reach the surface.

Assam is located in Seismic Zone V, the highest earthquake-risk category in the Indian subcontinent, owing to its complex geological structure. The state has witnessed multiple tremors in recent months, including instances where several earthquakes were recorded on a single day in September.

Historically, Assam has been affected by some of the most devastating earthquakes in India. The most severe was the Assam-Tibet earthquake of August 15, 1950, which measured 8.6 in magnitude and claimed an estimated 4,000 lives across Assam and neighbouring regions. Another major earthquake struck the state on August 6, 1988, resulting in more than 100 fatalities.

The National Disaster Management Authority has advised people to follow safety precautions during and after earthquakes. These include remaining calm and following official instructions broadcast on radio or television, staying away from beaches and low-lying riverbanks, and being prepared for aftershocks. Authorities also recommend turning off water, gas and electricity supplies, avoiding smoking or lighting matches or lighters, and immediately cleaning up any spilled inflammable materials such as fuel, alcohol or paint. In case of fire that cannot be controlled, residents should contact the fire brigade and avoid moving seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger.

People living in earthquake-prone areas like Assam have been advised to stay alert and ensure emergency preparedness measures are in place at all times.