A mild earthquake measuring 4.1 on the Richter scale struck Guwahati, the capital city of Assam, at 8:25 PM on Tuesday. The tremor, though brief, caused panic among residents in the region, especially due to the city’s vulnerability to seismic activity. According to initial data from the National Center for Seismology (NCS), the earthquake’s epicentre was just 2 km from Guwahati.
The quake was shallow, recorded at a depth of 10 km, and lasted for a few seconds. Despite the magnitude, there were no immediate reports of casualties or structural damage, according to Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA).
No Major Damage, But Fear Grips Residents
While the tremor caused no serious injuries or collapses, it did trigger temporary panic across Guwahati and nearby areas. Many residents rushed out of their homes and buildings, particularly in high-rise apartments in localities like Ganeshguri, Six Mile, Chandmari, and Beltola.
“I was watching television when I felt the walls shake slightly. I ran out along with my family,” said Anjali Deka, a resident of Zoo Road. Social media platforms were soon flooded with real-time reactions, with hashtags like #GuwahatiEarthquake trending on X (formerly Twitter).
Assam: A High-Risk Seismic Zone
Assam, and particularly the city of Guwahati, lies in Seismic Zone V, the highest-risk category in India’s earthquake classification system. The Northeast region sits on the boundary of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, making it one of the most earthquake-prone zones in the country.
Experts from the North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NE-SAC) have reiterated the need for urban centres like Guwahati to adopt stricter building codes and retrofitting practices. “Today’s earthquake was relatively minor, but it’s a reminder of the constant threat. Preparedness is key,” said Dr. Rakesh Hazarika, a geophysicist at NE-SAC.
Read more about India’s Seismic Zones and Building Codes
Government Response and Public Advisory
The Assam Disaster Response Force (ADRF) and local authorities have issued public advisories urging calm and vigilance. The Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) tweeted shortly after the tremor, stating that the government was monitoring the situation closely.
“We request citizens to stay alert, avoid using elevators, and report any visible cracks in buildings to local disaster management units,” said an official from ASDMA.
Emergency helplines have been activated, and residents have been asked to review household emergency protocols.
Internal link: Assam’s Urban Flood Plan Reviewed Amid Recent Storms
Earthquake Preparedness in Urban Assam
Tuesday’s earthquake serves as a reminder of the importance of seismic resilience in Assam’s rapidly expanding urban areas. Experts advocate for the integration of earthquake-resistant designs in both public and private construction projects.
The Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) has previously launched awareness drives to educate citizens about earthquake preparedness, including evacuation drills and first aid training. The government is also working with the Ministry of Earth Sciences on updating seismic maps and early warning systems.
Learn more: Earthquake Preparedness Handbook by NDMA
No Disruption to Services
Despite initial anxiety, Guwahati’s essential services, including power, telecom, and transportation, remained unaffected. Guwahati Railway Station, Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, and major hospitals all confirmed normal operations.
The Northeast Frontier Railway released a statement assuring passengers that all trains were running as scheduled and that no damage to rail infrastructure was reported.
Call to Action
Authorities urge residents to remain vigilant and regularly update themselves on disaster preparedness. Citizens can register for SMS alerts through the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and should ensure that their homes comply with basic structural safety standards.
Be Prepared, Not Scared
Follow updates from the National Center for Seismology and the Assam State Disaster Management Authority for real-time information and safety tips.
