Telangana Earthquake: 5.3-Magnitude Tremor Shakes Hyderabad and Surrounding Areas

Earthquakes, like this one that struck Telangana today, can be both unexpected and horrible. Early in the morning, Hyderabad and the surrounding Andhra Pradesh regions suffered modest vibrations when an earthquake with a magnitude of 5.3 struck the Mulugu district. Let’s examine what took place, the impact it had on locals, and why this kind of thing is so rare in the area.

Where Did the Earthquake Happen and When?

The National Centre for Seismology (NCS) reports that the Telangana earthquake struck Mulugu, Telangana, at 7:27 a.m. on Wednesday, December 4, 2024. Its epicentre was 40 km depth and was at latitude 18.44°N and longitude 80.24°E. Because of this, it had enough force to be felt across a large area.

The immediate Effects on Telangana

Residents were shocked by the earthquake, though there were no major injuries or damage reports. Initial reports indicate that the incident caused more alarm than injury, while authorities are currently evaluating the situation. This was the first time that many people in the area had ever witnessed an earthquake of this magnitude.

An Rare Occurrence in Telangana

Telangana earthquake isn’t much activity in. Seismic Zone II, which is referred to as a low-intensity zone, covers the state. Due to this, today’s earthquake is remarkable; many people say it’s the strongest to strike the state in 20 years. “A 5.3-magnitude earthquake occurred in Telangana, with Mulugu as the epicentre, for the first time in 20 years,” said Telangana Weatherman, a well-known X user.

Hyderabad and the Area Around it Experience the tremors

The earthquakes also rocked Hyderabad, which is about 250 kilometres away from Mulugu, raising widespread panic. As a precaution, residents hurried outside, evacuating their residences and places of employment. For a few seconds, several people claimed to feel the vibrations, which was sufficient to induce uneasiness.

Mild tremors are encountered by states nearby.

Beyond the territory of the Telangana earthquake. Light earthquakes were also detected in Nagpur, Gadchiroli, and Chandrapur, besides other places in Maharashtra. As stated by local officials, people of Gadchiroli, which is close to Telangana, suffered small shocks. In the meantime, earthquakes were also observed in Chandrapur in places like Ballarpur and tehsils close to the Telangana border.

Residents in Maharashtra were encouraged by district officials not to worry. Vinay Gowda, the Chandrapur Collector, urged residents to remain vigilant and seek refuge in open areas if they experience any further earthquakes.

How Come It Felt So Far Away?

Hundreds of km frequently get covered by Telangana  earthquake shocks. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) states that minor tremors are frequent 200–300 kilometres away from an earthquake. This explains why the vibrations have been detected by people in Telangana and other states.

Identifying the Seismic Zones in India

There are four earthquake zones in India:

Zone I: lowest seismic risk. (Telangana is included in Zone.)

II Zone : Risky yet moderate.

Zone III: Extremely dangerous.

Zone IV: Seismic danger is highest.

Interestingly, roughly 59% of India’s landmass is susceptible to seismic activity with different intensities, yet Telangana is situated in Zone II, which rarely sees earthquakes.

Additional Recent Indian Earthquakes

The earthquake in Mulugu is not an isolated incident. Only a few days ago:

On November 30, a 2.9-magnitude earthquake affected Karbi Anglong in Assam.

On November 28, a 5.8-magnitude earthquake that had reached its epicentre in Afghanistan struck Jammu & Kashmir.

These occurrences serve as an indication of how dynamic and erratic Earth’s tectonic motions are.

How Should an Earthquake Affect You?

Are you uncertain about how to be safe when there is an earthquake? Here are a few brief guidance:

Drop, Cover, and Hold On: Find a table or another piece of substantial furniture and cover yourself behind.

Avoid windows and doors because glass can break and injure people.

Go to Open Spaces: Avoid shrubs, structures, and power lines if you’re outside.

Avoid Elevators: If you’re in a multi-story structure, stay on the stairs.

When the ground trembles, these easy actions can save lives.

Why It’s Important to Stay Informed

Getting ready is essential since seismic activity may occur at any time. When it involves tracking and exchanging real-time data, the NCS and IMD are essential. The best defence is to follow safety instructions and keep an eye on official updates.

Conclusion: remind yourself to be ready

The Telangana earthquake today serves as a sobering reminder of how erratic nature can be. We can be shocked by the Earth’s crust even in low-risk areas. Though there was no major damage from the incident, it did emphasise the importance of preparation and alertness. Residents of Hyderabad and Maharashtra saw a unique occurrence that will probably be recalled for years to come.