Guwahati, Assam: A magnitude 4.1 earthquake hit Guwahati and neighbouring areas in the early hours of the morning, causing mild panic among residents and some minor damage to buildings.
The quake struck at 3:59 a.m. local time, with its epicentre located in the Sonitpur district of Assam, around 45 kilometres northwest of Guwahati, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The earthquake had a depth of 14 kilometres.
Although there were no immediate reports of injuries or serious damage, the tremors caused some buildings in Guwahati and nearby towns to suffer minor cracks and other structural damage. The earthquake also triggered alarms, causing people to rush out of their homes in fear.
“I woke up to the bed shaking violently and the sound of objects falling from shelves. It was a frightening experience,” said Rohit Das, a resident of Guwahati.
The earthquake was also felt in other parts of Assam and neighbouring states, such as Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya. The IMD has cautioned that aftershocks are possible in the coming days and advised residents to remain alert.
The northeast region of India is located in a seismically active zone, and earthquakes are not uncommon in the area. In 1950, a magnitude 8.7 earthquake in Assam killed over 1,500 people and caused extensive damage.
Authorities are currently assessing the situation and providing assistance to those affected by the earthquake. Residents are advised to take necessary precautions and to stay tuned for updates from local authorities.
