Earthquake Strikes Bay of Bengal
A moderate earthquake measuring 5.2 on the Richter scale struck the Bay of Bengal on July 12, 2026, at approximately 10:45 AM IST. The tremors were felt in several coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh, including Visakhapatnam, Srikakulam, and Vizianagaram, according to the National Center for Seismology.
Details of the Tremors
The earthquake's epicenter was located in the Bay of Bengal, about 120 kilometers east of Visakhapatnam, at a depth of 35 kilometers. Residents reported feeling mild to moderate shaking for about 10-15 seconds. Many people rushed out of buildings in panic, but no structural damage or casualties have been reported so far.
“We felt a sudden jolt, and the windows rattled. It lasted for a few seconds, but it was enough to scare everyone,” said a local resident from Visakhapatnam, as reported by news agencies.
Impact and Response
Authorities in Andhra Pradesh have issued a statement reassuring the public that there is no immediate danger of aftershocks. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been put on standby, though no rescue operations are currently required. Coastal communities have been advised to remain vigilant.
This is the second earthquake to affect the region in the past month, following a 4.8 magnitude quake on June 28, 2026, which also originated in the Bay of Bengal.
Seismic Activity in the Region
The Bay of Bengal is a seismically active zone due to tectonic plate movements beneath the Indian Ocean. According to the Indian Meteorological Department, earthquakes of magnitude 5-6 are not uncommon in this area, though they rarely cause significant damage on land. The last major earthquake in the region was a 6.1 magnitude event in 2023.
