Residents of Assam and neighboring regions were rattled on Friday morning after a 5.8 magnitude earthquake struck near Guwahati. According to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS), the epicenter was located close to the Assam-Meghalaya border region, with tremors widely felt across North Bengal and even parts of Bhutan.
The Assam earthquake occurred around 7:45 AM local time, prompting thousands of residents to rush out of their homes and offices as buildings swayed. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported so far, though minor cracks in walls and panic in densely populated areas were observed.
Epicenter and Technical Details
The NCS recorded the quake at a depth of approximately 20 kilometers below the surface, classifying it as a shallow earthquake—typically the kind that causes more intense surface shaking. Guwahati, being one of the major urban centers in Northeast India, experienced noticeable tremors lasting for several seconds.
Local residents shared videos of household items shaking, while some reported that ceiling fans and furniture rattled violently during the quake. In North Bengal towns like Siliguri and Jalpaiguri, people rushed out of their homes in fear. Bhutanese media also reported mild tremors in the capital city of Thimphu.
Reactions from Authorities
The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) quickly issued a statement urging people to stay calm and follow earthquake safety protocols. Assam’s Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma tweeted shortly after the quake:
“We are monitoring the situation following the Assam earthquake. As of now, no reports of major damage or injury have come in. Citizens are advised to remain alert and follow official guidelines.”
Rescue teams have been kept on standby in case of aftershocks or structural damage. Local police and municipal authorities have begun preliminary inspections of bridges, schools, and government buildings.
Why Assam is Earthquake-Prone
The Northeast, particularly Assam, lies in Seismic Zone V, the most seismically active region in India. This zone has witnessed multiple devastating earthquakes in the past, including the catastrophic 1950 Assam earthquake measuring 8.6 on the Richter scale, one of the strongest ever recorded globally.
Seismologists explain that the region’s vulnerability comes from its location near the boundary where the Indian tectonic plate collides with the Eurasian plate, creating constant stress and fault-line activity.
Public Response and Safety Precautions
In Guwahati, students, office-goers, and shopkeepers described the panic as they evacuated buildings. Social media was flooded with posts tagged #AssamEarthquake, with users sharing firsthand experiences. Some residents noted that the tremors felt stronger than previous quakes in recent months.
Disaster management experts reminded citizens of basic safety rules during earthquakes:
- Move outdoors quickly if inside a tall building.
- Stay away from windows, glass, and heavy furniture.
- If outside, avoid electric poles, trees, and crowded streets.
- Keep emergency kits ready with essentials like water, food, and flashlights.
Schools in Guwahati conducted evacuation drills after the quake, reinforcing preparedness among children.
Regional Impact
North Bengal towns reported no damage, but local authorities conducted quick inspections of railway lines, bridges, and highways to ensure passenger safety. Bhutanese officials also reassured citizens, confirming that no damage had been reported across the Himalayan kingdom.
Meanwhile, tremors were faintly felt in Meghalaya and parts of Arunachal Pradesh, adding to concerns in the broader Northeastern corridor.
Looking Ahead
The Assam earthquake is a reminder of the seismic vulnerability of the Northeast. While no serious damage has occurred this time, experts warn that complacency could prove costly in the future. Strengthening infrastructure, retrofitting old buildings, and conducting regular earthquake drills are key steps in minimizing risks.
For now, residents of Assam, North Bengal, and Bhutan are breathing a sigh of relief, but the region remains on alert for aftershocks. The incident reinforces the urgent need for disaster preparedness in one of India’s most earthquake-prone regions.