A mild earthquake originating in the Bay of Bengal sent tremors through Visakhapatnam in the early hours of Sunday, 12 July 2026. The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) reported that the seismic event occurred at 5:05:46 am Indian Standard Time at a depth of 10 kilometres.
Details of the Seismic Event
The earthquake registered a magnitude of 3.5 on the Richter scale, making it a minor tremor. According to INCOIS officials, the epicentre was located in the Bay of Bengal, approximately 150 kilometres east-southeast of Visakhapatnam. The shallow depth of 10 km meant that the energy release was felt more acutely on the surface, despite the low magnitude.
Residents in several parts of Visakhapatnam reported feeling mild shaking for a few seconds. No casualties or damage to property have been reported so far. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local authorities have been put on alert as a precautionary measure.
Impact and Response
Visakhapatnam, a major city on the east coast of India, is located in a seismically active zone. The region has experienced similar mild tremors in the past. INCOIS scientists stated that such events are not uncommon and do not indicate a larger seismic threat. "The earthquake was of low intensity and does not pose any immediate danger. We are monitoring the situation closely," said an INCOIS spokesperson.
The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) has advised residents to remain calm and follow standard safety protocols. Schools and offices in the city continued normal operations as no damage was reported. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has not issued any tsunami warning for the coastal areas.
Scientific Context
Seismologists explain that the Bay of Bengal region experiences tectonic activity due to the movement of the Indian Plate. The earthquake occurred along a minor fault line, releasing stress accumulated over time. "This is a routine event in geological terms. The magnitude 3.5 quake is barely enough to cause any structural damage, but it serves as a reminder of the region's seismic sensitivity," noted Dr. R. K. Singh, a seismologist at the National Geophysical Research Institute.
The last significant earthquake in the region was recorded in 2023, with a magnitude of 4.2, which also caused mild tremors in Visakhapatnam. INCOIS continues to operate a network of seismographs to monitor such events and provide timely information.
