Strong tremors hit Assam and neighbouring regions
A powerful 5.8 magnitude earthquake struck Assam on Saturday afternoon, sending waves of panic across Guwahati and neighbouring areas. The quake, which occurred at 4:41 pm, had its epicentre in Udalguri district at a shallow depth of 5 kilometres, according to officials from the National Centre for Seismology (NCS).
Residents across the state, particularly in Guwahati, rushed out of their homes and offices as buildings shook for several seconds. Tremors were not only reported across Assam but also felt in North Bengal and Bhutan, underlining the quake’s wide impact zone.
Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage to property. However, disaster management authorities remain on high alert, monitoring aftershock risks and assessing structural safety across affected districts.
No casualties reported, officials monitor situation
Officials confirmed that no injuries or property damage have been reported so far. Assam’s State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) deployed teams across Udalguri, Kamrup, and Sonitpur districts to check for cracks in infrastructure, especially in older buildings and schools.
An ASDMA spokesperson said, “We have not received any distress calls regarding casualties or damage. Still, teams are conducting ground assessments to ensure safety.”
The Assam Police also urged residents to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified rumours on social media, assuring that the situation is under control.
This quake comes just days after a 3.5 magnitude tremor struck Sonitpur district on September 2, which many experts viewed as a warning sign of tectonic activity in the region.
Assam in India’s seismically active zone
Seismologists have long identified Northeast India as one of the most earthquake-prone regions in the world. Assam and neighbouring states lie in Seismic Zone V, the highest category in India’s seismic zoning map. This makes the region vulnerable to frequent tremors, both minor and moderate.
Saturday’s earthquake, with a shallow depth of just 5 km, was strong enough to be felt widely. Experts warn that such shallow quakes can potentially cause more damage compared to deeper ones, even at similar magnitudes.
Dr. Ramesh Singh, a seismology researcher, explained, “The shallow depth and magnitude made the quake perceptible across Assam, North Bengal, and Bhutan. While no major damage has been reported this time, the region must remain prepared.”
Public reaction: fear but relief
Social media platforms quickly lit up with posts from residents describing their experiences. Many reported feeling chairs, ceiling fans, and windows shaking. Some even captured videos of people rushing outdoors in Guwahati’s crowded markets.
A Guwahati resident, Anupam Das, shared, “I was on the fifth floor of my office when everything started trembling. Everyone ran down the stairs. Thankfully, it stopped within seconds.”
While the tremors sparked momentary panic, the relief that no loss of life or property occurred was evident across the region.
Preparedness and safety measures
Authorities have once again stressed the importance of earthquake preparedness for residents in Northeast India. Simple measures, such as identifying safe spots in homes, securing heavy furniture, and keeping emergency kits ready, can make a crucial difference during such natural events.
Schools in Guwahati and Udalguri have been advised to conduct earthquake safety drills in the coming week. Meanwhile, NCS continues to monitor seismic activity in the region to detect any possible aftershocks.
Conclusion
The 5.8 magnitude earthquake in Assam has served as a reminder of the region’s seismic vulnerability. Although no casualties or damages have been reported, experts stress the need for long-term safety planning, public awareness, and resilient infrastructure to minimise risks.
With two quakes reported in Assam within the first half of September, the importance of vigilance and preparedness has become even more pressing for both authorities and residents.