Back-to-back earthquakes trigger panic in Assam’s Barak Valley

Two earthquakes struck Assam’s Cachar district within an hour on Thursday night, causing brief panic in the Barak Valley. The first tremor measured 4.7 and the second 3.3 on the Richter scale.

Guwahati: Two earthquakes struck Assam’s Cachar district within a span of less than an hour on Thursday night, triggering brief panic among residents in parts of the northeastern state’s Barak Valley region, officials said.

According to seismic data, the first earthquake, measuring 4.7 on the Richter scale, occurred at around 9:10 p.m.

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The epicentre was located in Cachar district at latitude 24.941 degrees North and longitude 93.007 degrees East, with a focal depth of 39 kilometres, an official said.

The tremor was felt across several parts of southern Assam, including Cachar and adjoining areas. Residents reported feeling moderate shaking, prompting many to move outdoors as a precaution.

However, there were no immediate reports of any casualties or damage to property, an official said.

Less than an hour later, a second earthquake of magnitude 3.3 struck the same region at 10:02:51 p.m. IST.

The epicentre was located near the site of the earlier tremor at latitude 24.964 degrees North and longitude 93.003 degrees East.

The quake originated at a depth of 30 kilometres beneath the earth’s surface.

Officials said the second tremor was comparatively weaker but was felt in some localities close to the epicentral region.

Authorities are monitoring the situation and assessing whether the second event was an aftershock of the earlier earthquake.

The North East region, including Assam, falls within one of the country’s most seismically active zones and frequently experiences earthquakes of varying magnitudes.

Experts have repeatedly stressed the need for preparedness and adherence to earthquake-resistant construction norms in the region.

Disaster management officials said there was no cause for alarm at present but advised people to remain vigilant and follow safety protocols in the event of further seismic activity.

No disruption to essential services or transportation networks had been reported till the filing of this report.