Hyderabad, May 5
Mild tremors were felt in some parts of Telangana on Monday evening.
People in Karimnagar, Jagtial, Sircilla, Nizamabad, Nirmal, Peddapalli and other districts in north Telangana experienced the tremors.
According to the National Centre for Seismology, an earthquake of 3.8 magnitude was felt at 6.50 p.m. with Kumuram Bheem Asifabad as the epicentre. The depth of the earthquake was 10 kilometres.
People at a few places ran out of their houses in panic as the earth continued shaking for two to five seconds. There are no reports of any loss of life or property from anywhere in the state.
CCTV footage of household items shaking due to the tremors was widely circulated on social media.
Some residents said they saw utensils and some other household items shaking. It took some time for them to realise that it was an earthquake, and they rushed out as a precautionary measure.
Gangadhar, Choppadandi, Ramadugu, Kammarpally, Marthad and other mandals in Karimnagar district experienced tremors
The tremors were also felt in Kadam, Jannaram, Khanapur and Laxmanchanda and other mandals in Nirmal district.
Parts of Telangana and neighbouring Andhra Pradesh had recorded an earthquake of 5.3 magnitude on December 4 last year. Its epicentre was Mulugu in Telangana.
The intensity of tremors was high in districts along the banks of the Godavari River in both the Telugu states.
This was the second earthquake of over 5 magnitude in the region in the last 55 years.
The region had experienced an earthquake with a magnitude of 5.7 on April 13, 1969, with Bhadrachalam as the epicentre.
According to scientists, both earthquakes were linked to the Godavari rift valley, which is a fault zone.
Since Telangana falls into Seismic Zone II, which is categorised as a low-intensity seismic zone, the scientists say there is no need for any panic.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Thank God it was just a mild tremor! 🙠We need better earthquake preparedness though, especially in rural areas. Many houses in these districts aren't built to withstand even moderate quakes. The government should conduct awareness programs.
My relatives in Karimnagar called me in panic! 😨 While 3.8 magnitude is small, the frequency of tremors in Telangana is worrying. Scientists say it's the Godavari rift valley - but what preventive measures are being taken? Just saying "don't panic" isn't enough!
The way people immediately shared CCTV footage on WhatsApp shows how technology helps in such situations. But we also need proper emergency alert systems from the government, like Japan has. A few seconds warning can save lives during bigger quakes.
My grandmother in Nizamabad said this reminded her of the 1969 Bhadrachalam earthquake! While today's was minor, the article mentions two >5 magnitude quakes in 55 years. We can't ignore this pattern. Time to revise building codes for seismic safety in Zone II areas too.
Good that no damage was reported 👠But I disagree with scientists saying "no need to panic". Panic is natural! Instead they should educate people on what to DO during tremors - like the "Drop, Cover, Hold" method. Practical advice is better than just reassurance.
Interesting that all these tremors are along Godavari river. Makes me wonder - are we monitoring underground water levels and dam pressures properly? Sometimes human activities can trigger seismic events. More research needed on this connection in our region.
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