March 5th 2025.
On a recent day in Imphal, two earthquakes struck the region, causing concern among residents and authorities. The first earthquake, measuring 5.7 on the Richter scale, was felt in several districts of Manipur as well as neighboring states in the northeastern region. Thankfully, there have been no reports of any casualties or damage to property, according to Disaster Management officials.
The epicenter of the first earthquake was in the mountainous Kamjong district, which shares a border with Myanmar and is surrounded by other districts such as Ukhrul, Tengnoupal, Imphal East, and Imphal West. It originated 110 km below the surface and was also felt in Assam and Meghalaya.
Just a day later, another tremor with a magnitude of 4.1 on the Richter scale shook the same Kamjong district. This time, the earthquake was at a depth of 66 km from the surface, according to data from the National Centre for Seismology.
These recent earthquakes are not the first in the northeastern region, as there have been two others in the past four days. On March 2, a 3.7 magnitude earthquake hit Mamit district in Mizoram, while on February 27, a 5.0 magnitude quake shook Morigaon district in Assam. The effects of these tremors were also felt in other parts of their respective states.
Earthquakes are not uncommon in this region, as it falls in the sixth most earthquake-prone area. In fact, data from the National Centre for Seismology shows that on average, there is at least one earthquake a week in the northeastern states, with most measuring between 3 to 4 on the Richter scale.
These consecutive tremors have raised concerns among the authorities and have prompted builders to focus on constructing quake-proof structures. This is especially important in the mountainous northeastern states, where the frequency of earthquakes is higher, including in Assam, Mizoram, Manipur, and Meghalaya.
The region has a history of major earthquakes, with the most notable one occurring in 1950, measuring 8.7 on the Richter scale. This powerful earthquake even changed the course of the Brahmaputra river, which flows through the busy city of Guwahati, the main commercial hub of the northeastern region.
Another devastating earthquake hit the region in 1988, with a magnitude of 6.5, resulting in the loss of over 200 lives in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. In more recent years, Sikkim and parts of West Bengal were hit by a 6.9 magnitude earthquake in 2011, claiming the lives of over 100 people. And in 2017, a 5.7 magnitude earthquake struck Tripura's Dhalai district.
Given the frequent occurrence of earthquakes in the northeastern states, Disaster Management authorities have been conducting awareness campaigns to educate the public on how to stay safe during these natural disasters. With proper knowledge and precautions, the region can better prepare for and mitigate the effects of future earthquakes.
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