NewKerala.com

4.6 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Seismically Active Nicobar Islands

An earthquake measuring 4.6 on the Richter scale struck the Nicobar Islands early Monday morning. The National Center of Seismology reported the quake originated at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are classified in India's most active Seismic Zone V and have a history of devastating seismic events. Shallow earthquakes like this one can pose a greater danger due to stronger ground shaking at the surface.

Key Points: 4.6 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Nicobar Islands

  • Magnitude 4.6 quake
  • Struck at 3:30 am IST
  • Depth of 10 km
  • Located in Seismic Zone V
2 min read

Earthquake of 4.6 magnitude strikes Nicobar Islands

A 4.6 magnitude earthquake struck the Nicobar Islands at a depth of 10 km. The region is in India's most active Seismic Zone V.

"EQ of M: 4.6, On: 02/02/2026 03:31:12 IST, Lat: 9.03 N, Long: 92.78 E, Depth: 10 Km, Location: Nicobar Islands - National Center of Seismology"

Sri Vijaya Puram, February 2

An earthquake of magnitude 4.6 struck the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on Monday at about 3.30 am, a statement by the National Center of Seismology said.

As per the statement, the earthquake occurred at a depth of 10 km. The earthquake's latitude was reported to be 9.03 North, and the longitude was reported to be 92.78 East.

In a post on X, the NCS said, "EQ of M: 4.6, On: 02/02/2026 03:31:12 IST, Lat: 9.03 N, Long: 92.78 E, Depth: 10 Km, Location: Nicobar Islands"

These islands are classified in Seismic Zone - V as per the seismic zoning map of India contained in 1893-1984 and are one of the most seismically active parts of the world.

Several great earthquakes have occurred in the past.

The devastating earthquake that occurred on December 26, 2004, caused horizontal and vertical movement of landmass in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and generated "tsunami killer waves" which killed many lives and destroyed properties as never seen before, according to the Directorate of Disaster Management, A&N Administration.

Shallow earthquakes are generally more dangerous than deep earthquakes. This is because the seismic waves from shallow earthquakes have a shorter distance to travel to the surface, resulting in stronger ground shaking and potentially more damage to structures, as well as greater casualties.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Nicobar Islands are in Seismic Zone V. It's high time the government invests more in earthquake-resistant infrastructure there. We can't prevent earthquakes, but we can definitely be better prepared. Hope everyone is safe.
A
Aman W
The article mentions it was shallow (10 km depth). That's concerning. Shallow quakes can feel much stronger. Thankfully it was only 4.6. The National Center of Seismology is doing a good job with timely updates on X.
S
Sarah B
I have a respectful criticism. While the technical details are good, the article could have included more about the current preparedness measures or immediate response from local authorities. Are the early warning systems functional?
V
Vikram M
Nature reminds us of its power. We are just visitors on this planet. Hope our scientists are studying these patterns carefully. Stay safe, Andaman & Nicobar.
K
Kavya N
The mention of the 2004 tsunami gave me chills. So many lives lost. It's a reminder that we need constant vigilance and proper disaster management drills, especially in vulnerable areas like these islands. Jai Hind.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50