Koraput District Jolted by 4.4 Magnitude Earthquake, No Casualties Reported
A mild but noticeable earthquake measuring 4.4 on the Richter scale was recorded across several parts of Koraput district in Odisha late on Saturday night, triggering brief moments of panic among residents. The seismic event occurred at a shallow depth of just 5 kilometers, amplifying the sensation for those in the affected areas.
Tremor Felt Across Multiple Locations
According to official reports, the tremor was distinctly felt at approximately 11:31 PM in key urban and semi-urban centers including Jeypore, Sunabeda, Koraput town, and Semiliguda. The sudden and unexpected shaking prompted numerous residents to rush out of their homes as a precautionary measure, seeking safety in open spaces.
District emergency officer Sauranjita Majhi stated, "We received reports of the tremor from multiple locations across the district. However, there has been no report of any loss of life or property damage so far. Our administration remains on high alert and our teams are keeping a close watch on the situation."
Residents Recall Moments of Anxiety
Local residents described experiencing moments of significant anxiety as the earthquake struck during the late night hours. Ankit Hota, a resident of Jeypore, recounted, "We felt the bed shaking vigorously for a few seconds and immediately stepped out of our house. It was particularly frightening, especially at that late hour when everything was quiet."
Another resident from Sunabeda added, "People in our locality rushed out to the streets immediately after feeling the tremor. It created a wave of panic for a short while, but thankfully the shaking subsided quickly and nothing serious transpired."
Administration on Alert, Monitoring Continues
The Koraput district administration has confirmed that emergency protocols were activated following the seismic event. While the earthquake was classified as mild on the Richter scale, its shallow depth contributed to the widespread perception of shaking across the district.
Officials emphasize that despite the initial panic, comprehensive assessments have revealed no structural damage to buildings, infrastructure, or private property. No injuries or casualties have been reported from any part of the affected region.
The administration continues to monitor seismic activity in the area closely and has advised residents to remain calm while staying prepared for any potential aftershocks, though none have been reported thus far.
