Govind Tekale
A 5.8 magnitude earthquake hit Assam on Sunday, September 14, with its epicenter in Udalguri district. The tremor struck at 4:41 PM local time at a shallow depth of just 5 kilometers, according to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS).
The quake sent strong vibrations across the region, prompting residents in Guwahati to rush outdoors in panic. Tremors were also felt in neighboring areas including parts of North Bengal and Bhutan.
“It felt like it would never stop. For a minute, I thought I was dead. I genuinely believed the roof would cave in,” said Anita Goswami, a Guwahati resident.
Another resident described how the tremors began slowly, making them think it would pass quickly. “But it didn’t, and that’s when I started to panic. My brother was upstairs, and I kept thinking, what if the roof caves in?”
Despite the fear and panic, officials report no immediate casualties or significant damage to infrastructure. “We are monitoring the situation closely, and so far no loss of life or infrastructure damage has been reported,” stated an official from the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA).
Union Minister and former Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal urged vigilance on social media platform X: “Major earthquake in Assam. My prayers for everyone’s safety and well-being. Urge all to stay alert!”
Current Chief Minister Himanta Sarma confirmed there had been “no report of any major damage or loss of life” and that his administration is “actively monitoring the situation.”
The Northeast region of India sits in the country’s highest seismic hazard zone (Zone V) and is located near the Kopili Fault, which runs close to the Himalayan Frontal Thrust. This geological positioning makes the area prone to regular seismic activity.
Shallow earthquakes, like today’s event, often feel more intense locally even when their magnitudes are moderate. The region last experienced a significant earthquake in 2021, when a 6.4 magnitude tremor shook Sonitpur district, causing structural damage to buildings across several towns.
According to seismologists, Assam experiences dozens of earthquakes annually, though most are too small to be felt. The region’s most powerful recorded earthquake remains the 1950 Assam-Tibet earthquake, which reached a devastating magnitude of 8.6.
For those in earthquake-prone zones like Assam, experts recommend staying informed through official channels such as the NCS and ASDMA. The NCS BhooKamp app provides real-time earthquake parameters and alerts.
Basic safety measures during and after earthquakes include moving away from buildings, checking utilities for damage, and following official advisories. As aftershocks remain possible in the coming days, residents are advised to stay vigilant and prepared.
