Earthquake of 5.9 magnitude hits Assam; Tremors felt in North Bengal

A powerful earthquake originating in Assam on Sunday afternoon shook vast regions of North Bengal and neighboring countries, causing widespread panic among residents. The earthquake, which struck at 4:41 PM, measured 5.9 on the Richter scale, making it one of the more significant seismic events in the region in recent times. The tremors were felt across a large geographical area, highlighting the interconnectedness of the tectonic plates in this seismically active zone.

According to initial reports, the epicenter of the earthquake was located at a place named Dhekiajuli, situated between Guwahati and Tezpur in Assam. The seismic event occurred at a relatively shallow depth of about 10 kilometers below the Earth's surface. The shallow depth of the quake is a key factor as it often leads to more intense shaking and a wider area of impact, even for a moderate magnitude.

The tremors from the Assam earthquake were felt distinctly across a wide stretch of North Bengal, including Cooch Behar and the hilly and plain regions. Even in South Bengal, residents of Kolkata and surrounding areas reported feeling a mild tremor. The seismic waves also crossed international borders, with tremors being felt in several regions of Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan, confirming the extensive reach of the quake.

The sudden shaking caused widespread alarm among the local population. As soon as the ground began to tremble, panicked residents rushed out of their homes and offices to seek safety in open spaces. The fear was palpable in the streets as people stood outside, waiting for the shaking to stop and for news on the extent of the event. The sight of people evacuating buildings became a common scene across the affected areas.

Initial assessments indicate that there have been no immediate reports of significant damage or casualties resulting from the earthquake. However, authorities are on high alert and are continuously monitoring the situation for any potential aftershocks or new reports of damage. This is the second tremor felt in the region in a short span, following a 3.5 magnitude earthquake that hit Sonitpur, Assam, just last week on September 2.