Causing tremors that were felt in Hyderabad and several nearby regions. The earthquake occurred at 7:27 AM, according to the National Center for Seismology (NCS), and although it caused panic among residents, there have been no reports of significant damage or injuries.
The earthquake’s epicenter was located in Mulugu, a district in northern Telangana,
an area not typically associated with high seismic activity. The tremors from this earthquake, however, extended beyond Telangana, reaching parts of neighboring Maharashtra, including Nagpur, Gadchiroli, and Chandrapur.
In Hyderabad, buildings swayed and residents reported feeling the ground shake for several seconds. While this caused alarm, no major damage was reported, and the authorities were quick to assess the situation. The tremors were also felt in Nagpur, around 200-250 kilometers from the epicenter, as well as in Gadchiroli and Chandrapur, districts in Maharashtra near the Telangana border. These areas experienced mild shaking, but like in Telangana, no significant damage or injuries were reported.
Authorities in the affected regions, including Chandrapur Collector Vinay Gowda, urged people to remain calm and stay alert. He advised residents to evacuate buildings and move to open spaces if further tremors were felt. While no aftershocks were immediately reported, officials emphasized the importance of being prepared, as aftershocks can often follow an initial earthquake.
The 5.3-magnitude earthquake is a rare seismic event for Telangana, which lies within Seismic Zone II, considered a low-risk area for earthquakes. Despite this, experts and authorities continue to emphasize the importance of preparedness, as seismic events can occur in regions with low historical activity.
The earthquake has raised awareness about the possibility of such events in the future and has prompted discussions about improving earthquake preparedness, especially in areas with relatively low seismic risk.
India is divided into four seismic zones: Zone II, Zone III, Zone IV, and Zone V, with varying levels of earthquake risk. Zone V experiences the most frequent and severe seismic activity, while Zone II has the least. About 59% of India’s land area falls within seismic Zones III, IV, and V, meaning a significant portion of the population lives in regions with moderate to high earthquake risks.
Despite being located in Zone II, Telangana’s experience with this 5.3-magnitude earthquake highlights the unpredictable nature of seismic activity, even in low-risk areas.
This earthquake serves as a reminder that preparedness is key in mitigating the impact of future seismic events, no matter the region’s historical activity. Local authorities are continuing to monitor the situation and are reinforcing earthquake safety measures.
Public education on basic safety protocols, including knowing how to “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” during tremors, is essential for ensuring people’s safety in case of future earthquakes.
In conclusion, the 5.3-magnitude earthquake in Telangana has underscored the need for continued earthquake preparedness and awareness, even in regions that are typically considered low-risk. While the immediate effects were mild, the event serves as a reminder of the potential risks posed by seismic activity in various parts of India
