A moderate earthquake measuring 3.9 on the Richter scale struck the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan on Monday morning, causing mild tremors across the region.
Earthquake Details and Epicenter Location
The seismic event occurred at 9:46 AM local time on May 27, 2024, according to official data released by the National Center for Seismology. The earthquake monitoring agency provided precise coordinates placing the epicenter at latitude 27.67 degrees north and longitude 89.72 degrees east.
The quake originated at a relatively shallow depth of 10 kilometers below the Earth's surface, which can sometimes make tremors more noticeable to people in the affected areas despite the moderate magnitude.
Regional Impact and Seismic History
While the earthquake registered as moderate in intensity, initial reports suggest it was felt across parts of Bhutan and potentially in bordering Indian states. The Himalayan region is known for its seismic activity due to the ongoing collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates.
Bhutan, nestled in the eastern Himalayas, experiences periodic seismic events of varying intensities. The country lies in Seismic Zone V and IV, classified as high damage risk zones where earthquakes of moderate to high intensity can occur.
Official Response and Monitoring
The National Center for Seismology, which operates under India's Ministry of Earth Sciences, continues to monitor aftershocks and seismic activity in the region. No immediate reports of damage to property or injuries have been confirmed following this earthquake.
Earthquake safety protocols recommend that residents in seismically active regions like the Himalayas stay prepared with emergency supplies and family evacuation plans. Drop, cover, and hold on remains the standard advice during earthquake events.
This seismic event serves as a reminder of the dynamic geological processes constantly shaping the Himalayan landscape and the importance of earthquake preparedness in vulnerable regions.
