A mild earthquake with a magnitude of 3.9 struck Bangladesh on Monday, sending tremors across the border into parts of Northeast India. The seismic event occurred in the morning, causing brief moments of alarm but resulting in no immediate reports of casualties or structural damage.
Details of the Seismic Event
The earthquake's epicentre was located in Bangladesh, approximately 9 km east of Sylhet. According to the National Center for Seismology (NCS), the quake occurred at 9:46 AM Indian Standard Time (IST). It originated at a shallow depth of 10 kilometres below the earth's surface. The proximity to the Indian border meant that the tremors were distinctly felt in several Indian states, including Assam and other northeastern regions.
Residents in affected areas reported feeling a sudden jolt or a swaying sensation that lasted for a few seconds. Many took to social media to confirm their experiences, seeking information about the event. The quick dissemination of data from the NCS helped clarify the situation and alleviate undue panic.
Response and Reported Aftermath
Local authorities in both Bangladesh and India were alerted following the tremor. Initial assessments from disaster management teams and district administrations indicated no loss of life or damage to property. The earthquake is classified as a minor event on the Richter scale, which typically results in perceptible shaking but rarely causes destruction.
"We felt a sudden shake for a couple of seconds. It was mild but noticeable," shared a resident from Guwahati, Assam. Similar accounts emerged from other towns close to the epicentral region. The region is seismically active, lying in Zone V, which is the highest risk zone on India's seismic map, making even minor quakes a point of public attention and concern.
Understanding Seismic Risks in the Region
This recent tremor serves as a reminder of the persistent seismic threat in the Eastern Himalayas and the surrounding Indo-Burmese arc. Both Bangladesh and Northeast India have experienced significant earthquakes in historical records. Experts consistently emphasize the importance of earthquake-resistant construction and public awareness campaigns on safety protocols during such events.
While this 3.9 magnitude earthquake passed without incident, it underscores the need for continuous monitoring by agencies like the National Center for Seismology. Their real-time data provides crucial information for both the public and emergency services. Residents are advised to stay informed through official channels and know basic safety measures, such as taking cover under sturdy furniture during stronger tremors and avoiding elevators.
The swift confirmation of the earthquake's details helped prevent the spread of misinformation and allowed people to go about their day with minimal disruption. Monitoring of the region's seismic activity continues as usual.
