A wave of seismic activity has sent shockwaves of fear through the Saurashtra region of Gujarat, with the city of Rajkot experiencing a startling 12 earthquakes within a single 24-hour period. The repeated tremors, which began on a Wednesday, forced terrified residents to flee their homes in the middle of the night, seeking safety in open spaces.
A Night of Repeated Tremors
According to data from the National Center for Seismology (NCS), the seismic swarm commenced in the early hours. The most significant tremor, with a magnitude of 3.4 on the Richter scale, struck at 1:42 PM on January 8. Its epicenter was located a mere 10 kilometers east of Rajkot, at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers, amplifying the shaking felt on the surface.
The series was not limited to this single event. Throughout the day and into the next, the region was jolted by multiple quakes, including:
- A magnitude 2.8 quake at 9:06 PM on January 8.
- A magnitude 2.6 quake at 12:16 AM on January 9.
- Another magnitude 2.6 event at 4:18 AM on January 9.
This relentless sequence created an atmosphere of sustained anxiety, with people reluctant to return indoors.
Public Reaction and Official Response
The frequent tremors triggered widespread panic. Social media platforms were flooded with videos and messages from locals who rushed out of their houses. Many reported feeling the distinct shaking of furniture and hearing rattling sounds during the stronger quakes. The event has reignited memories of the devastating 2001 Bhuj earthquake, keeping the community on high alert.
Local authorities and disaster management teams have been actively monitoring the situation. While no casualties or major structural damage have been reported from this specific swarm, the Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority (GSDMA) is likely assessing the situation. Seismologists often refer to such a cluster of earthquakes in a short time as an earthquake swarm, which can sometimes, but not always, precede a larger seismic event.
Understanding the Seismic Risk
Gujarat is located in a seismically active zone, with the Kutch region particularly vulnerable. The occurrence of an earthquake swarm in Rajkot underscores the persistent geological activity in the region. Experts emphasize the importance of earthquake preparedness at the individual and community level.
Residents are advised to stay calm, identify safe spots within their homes (like under sturdy tables), and have an emergency plan ready. The government's swift reporting through the NCS portal provides critical real-time data that helps in public awareness and scientific analysis of these tectonic movements.
As the ground settles, for now, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable forces of nature and the need for constant vigilance in vulnerable regions like Gujarat.
