Tremors Shake Telangana as Rare 5.3 Quake Hits Mulugu
On the morning of December 4, 2024, Telangana experienced a rare seismic event when a 5.3-magnitude earthquake struck the Mulugu district at 7:27 am.
The National Center for Seismology (NCS) confirmed the epicenter at latitude 18.44°N and longitude 80.24°E, with the quake originating 40 kilometers below the surface. Tremors extended to Hyderabad and even parts of Andhra Pradesh, surprising residents in a region not known for significant seismic activity.
Tremors Felt Beyond Telangana
The impact of the earthquake reached Maharashtra’s Nagpur, Gadchiroli, and Chandrapur districts, where residents reported mild shaking. In response, Chandrapur District Collector Vinay Gowda urged calm and emphasized the importance of safety, advising, “If such tremors are felt again, move to open spaces outside buildings.” While the tremors caused temporary panic, no immediate damage or injuries were reported.
Seismic Activity in a Low-Risk Zone
Telangana falls under Seismic Zone II, indicating a relatively low likelihood of earthquakes. However, this event highlights that even low-risk regions are not immune to seismic occurrences. Across India, approximately 59% of the landmass is earthquake-prone, with varying intensity levels from Zone V (highest risk) to Zone II (lowest risk).
Importance of Preparedness
The unexpected quake led many residents to evacuate buildings as a precaution. Experts emphasize the importance of preparedness, urging people to follow safety measures such as staying in open areas during tremors and avoiding structures that may be unstable.
This rare seismic event serves as a reminder of the need for awareness and readiness, even in regions with historically low seismic activity. The absence of casualties or structural damage underscores the importance of proactive measures and public cooperation during such events.
