5.3 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Mulugu, Telangana, Tremors Felt in Hyderabad
A 5.3-magnitude earthquake jolted Telangana’s Mulugu district early Wednesday morning, sending tremors through Hyderabad and neighboring areas of Andhra Pradesh. The National Center for Seismology (NCS) confirmed the earthquake at 7:27 AM, triggering widespread alarm among residents.
The earthquake’s epicenter was located at 18.44°N latitude and 80.24°E longitude, at a depth of 40 kilometers. The NCS released an official statement on X, highlighting the rare seismic activity in a region typically classified as a low-intensity seismic Zone II.
Immediate Aftermath
As of now, there have been no reports of fatalities or major infrastructure damage. Authorities are in the process of conducting detailed assessments of the situation, while local emergency teams are on standby. Experts have urged residents to remain cautious, especially in areas with buildings that may not be structurally sound, and to follow earthquake safety guidelines.
A Rare Seismic Event for Telangana
Earthquakes are relatively uncommon in Telangana, making this event especially significant. Telangana Weatherman, a popular X user, commented, “This is the strongest earthquake in Telangana in over two decades, with a magnitude of 5.3 recorded in Mulugu.” The tremors were felt over a wide area, including the capital city of Hyderabad, and as far as parts of Andhra Pradesh.
Seismic Zone Classification in India
India is categorized into four seismic zones to assess the risk of earthquakes:
- Zone V: High seismic risk
- Zone IV: Moderate-to-high risk
- Zone III: Moderate risk
- Zone II: Low risk
Telangana is located in Zone II, where seismic activity is less frequent but not entirely absent. Despite this classification, the country as a whole is prone to seismic events, with approximately 59% of its landmass falling under one of the higher-risk zones. The NCS continues to monitor aftershocks and urges residents to remain vigilant.
Recent Earthquake Activity Across India
India has seen a series of seismic events in recent weeks:
- Assam: On November 30, a 2.9-magnitude earthquake hit Karbi Anglong at a depth of 25 km.
- Jammu and Kashmir: On November 28, a 5.8-magnitude earthquake shook the region, originating from Afghanistan at a depth of 165 km.
Given the unpredictable nature of earthquakes, residents in affected areas are advised to stay informed through official channels, adhere to safety protocols, and report any damage to local authorities.
Seismic Awareness and Preparedness
The recent earthquake in Mulugu has brought attention to the importance of seismic awareness, especially in regions that are not typically associated with major earthquakes. Experts emphasize that while the intensity of earthquakes in lower-risk zones like Zone II is generally moderate, preparedness is crucial. Authorities continue to educate the public about earthquake-resistant construction and evacuation procedures.
As the situation in Mulugu is assessed, the focus remains on ensuring that communities are equipped with the knowledge and resources to respond effectively in the event of future seismic activity.
