 "Earthquake of magnitude 5.0 hit Assam, with tremors being felt in Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, and China as well. Image used for representative purpose")
An earthquake of magnitude 5.0 on the Richter scale struck Morigaon district in Assam during the early hours of Thursday (February 27), as reported by the National Center for Seismology (NCS).
The tremors were felt in Guwahati and other areas of the state. According to the monitoring agency, the earthquake occurred at a depth of 16 kilometers at approximately 2:25 am.
Impact of the earthquake
The impact of the tremors were reportedly felt in Bangladesh, Myanmar, Bhutan, and China as well, according to United States Geological Survey (USGS) data. However, further details regarding the epicentre and impact of the seismic activity were not immediately available.
A magnitude 5 earthquake is categorised as “moderate” and can cause light damage near the epicenter. This typically results in cracked plaster, fallen objects, and minor structural damage to poorly constructed buildings; however, it usually does not lead to widespread destruction.
Earthquakes are relatively common in Assam, as the state is located in India’s most seismically active region– Seismic Zone V. This means that the state is located in a place where there is a high risk of strong tremors.
Approximately 11 per cent of India’s land area falls in zone V.
Seismic activity in the region
The present earthquake follows another one recorded on Tuesday (February 25) in the Bay of Bengal. That earthquake had a magnitude of 5.1 on the Richter scale and had occurred at the depth of 91 km.
According to NCS data, there was an earthquake of magnitude 3.0 in Meghalaya’s West Khasi hills on Tuesday at around 5:30 pm. The next day. at roughly half past midnight, there was a 3.1 magnitude earthquake in neighbouring Myanmar.
Impact Shorts
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