Hyderabad: A 5.3 magnitude earthquake struck Telangana on Wednesday morning, marking the second seismic event of this intensity in the region in the past 55 years. The tremor, which occurred at 7:27 a.m., had its epicenter in Medaram, Mulugu district.
The only stronger earthquake in recent history occurred on April 13, 1969, when a magnitude 5.7 quake struck near Bhadrachalam. Both earthquakes are believed to be connected to the Godavari rift valley, a known fault zone.
Wednesday’s quake was felt across several areas in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra, including Hyderabad and its surrounding districts. The earthquake’s depth was recorded at 40 kilometers, with tremors extending over a 225-kilometer radius. Fortunately, there have been no reports of casualties or significant property damage.
Scientists from the CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) have issued warnings about potential aftershocks, given the quake’s magnitude. However, NGRI Director Prakash Kumar reassured the public, stating that the earthquake was classified as “moderate” and that there was no need to panic.
Similar to the 1969 Bhadrachalam earthquake, Wednesday’s tremor is linked to the Godavari fault zone. Seismologists have highlighted the presence of several fractures and faults along the Godavari Basin. Given that Telangana is situated in Seismic Zone II, categorized as a low-intensity zone, experts have urged the public to remain calm.
D. Srinagesh, a retired chief scientist at NGRI, emphasized the importance of constructing earthquake-resistant buildings. He advised local authorities in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to ensure that new structures are designed to withstand seismic activity, particularly in regions susceptible to earthquakes. He pointed out that the 1993 Killari earthquake, which resulted in significant loss of life, was exacerbated by the lack of earthquake-resistant infrastructure, unlike in California, where buildings were designed to handle similar events.
Experts suggest that both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh should take proactive measures to enhance earthquake preparedness and reduce potential risks in the future.
