New Delhi: A moderate earthquake measuring 5.4 on the Richter scale jolted India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands on Sunday, according to the National Center for Seismology (NCS). The tremor occurred at 12:06 pm IST and was reported to have its epicenter at a distance of 90 kilometers, though the exact coordinates were not immediately disclosed. Initial reports indicate that there has been no loss of life or property.

The earthquake was felt across various parts of the islands, but authorities have confirmed that essential services and infrastructure remain unaffected. The relatively shallow depth of the earthquake, which the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) listed at 10 kilometers (approximately 6 miles), generally makes such quakes more likely to be strongly felt on the surface. Shallow earthquakes, due to the limited distance seismic waves travel before reaching the surface, can generate stronger ground shaking compared to deeper quakes, increasing the risk to structures and potentially resulting in casualties. However, no such incidents have been reported in this instance.

Magnitude Variations and Global Monitoring

While the NCS recorded the magnitude at 5.4, other international monitoring agencies reported slightly different readings. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) measured the quake at 5.5 on the Richter scale, whereas the GFZ in Germany put it slightly higher at 6.07. These variations are common due to differences in seismic measurement methodologies, instrumentation, and local geological factors. Despite the minor discrepancies, all agencies confirmed the occurrence of a moderate earthquake centered in the Andaman and Nicobar region.

Following the tremor, authorities in nearby countries also monitored the situation for potential secondary hazards. Malaysia, for example, issued an immediate update confirming that there was no tsunami threat after the quake. This precautionary measure reflects the region’s vulnerability to seismic activity, particularly given the proximity of the islands to major tectonic boundaries in the Indian Ocean.

Seismic Activity in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are part of one of the world’s most seismically active belts, located near the convergent boundary of the Indo-Australian and Eurasian tectonic plates. This region has historically experienced numerous earthquakes of varying magnitudes, making it an area of significant interest for seismologists and disaster management authorities.

The Ministry of Earth Sciences classifies the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as part of Zone V, India’s highest seismic hazard category. Zone V includes areas that are highly prone to earthquakes and are susceptible to significant damage during strong tremors. Other regions categorized under Zone V include the entire northeastern states, parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rann of Kutch in Gujarat, and parts of North Bihar. The categorization underscores the critical need for earthquake preparedness, resilient infrastructure, and community awareness in these high-risk zones.

Impact and Preparedness Measures

Although Sunday’s quake did not result in casualties or property damage, it serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of the islands and surrounding regions to seismic activity. The shallow nature of the earthquake, which GFZ recorded at 10 kilometers deep, is a factor that typically demands heightened vigilance because seismic waves have less distance to dissipate energy before reaching the surface, causing more intense shaking in populated areas.

Authorities have reiterated that residents should remain alert for aftershocks, which often follow moderate to strong earthquakes. Earthquake preparedness measures, including adherence to building codes designed for seismic resilience, emergency drills, and awareness campaigns, remain essential for minimizing potential damage and ensuring public safety. Local administrations have been tasked with monitoring the situation and coordinating with disaster management agencies to assess any hidden damages that may not be immediately visible.

Historical Context of Seismicity

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands have a long history of seismic activity due to their location along the highly active Sunda-Andaman subduction zone. This region has experienced both shallow and deep earthquakes, some of which have triggered tsunamis with devastating consequences. The most notable example is the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, which severely impacted the Andaman and Nicobar Islands along with other countries bordering the Indian Ocean, resulting in thousands of deaths and widespread destruction.

Since then, the islands have seen ongoing efforts to strengthen seismic monitoring systems, improve early warning mechanisms, and educate communities about earthquake preparedness. The current tremor serves as a test of these systems and highlights the continuing importance of proactive disaster management strategies in seismically sensitive areas.

Scientific Observations and Seismological Significance

Seismologists closely monitor the Andaman and Nicobar region due to its complex tectonics. The interaction between the Indo-Australian and Eurasian plates generates significant strain accumulation, leading to frequent seismic events. Moderate earthquakes like Sunday’s are important for scientific observation as they help in mapping fault lines, assessing stress buildup in the crust, and understanding the dynamics of plate interactions in the region.

Shallow earthquakes, in particular, provide valuable data because the seismic waves travel a short distance to the surface, offering insights into the properties of the crust and the potential impact of future tremors. Continuous monitoring by the NCS, USGS, GFZ, and other institutions contributes to both national and global understanding of seismic hazards and helps in refining early warning systems.

Community Awareness and Response

Residents of the islands have been urged to stay informed and follow guidelines provided by local authorities and disaster management agencies. Simple measures, such as securing heavy furniture, preparing emergency kits, and knowing evacuation routes, can significantly reduce risks during seismic events. Public awareness campaigns in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands emphasize these preventive strategies, recognizing the region’s exposure to frequent tremors.

The National Center for Seismology continues to provide updates through social media and public advisories, ensuring timely communication to residents and stakeholders. Collaboration between local governments, scientific institutions, and emergency services is critical in maintaining readiness for earthquakes and mitigating potential impacts.

Conclusion

The earthquake of magnitude 5.4 that struck the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on Sunday is a reminder of the region’s geological volatility and the need for constant vigilance. While no casualties or property damage have been reported, the shallow nature of the quake underlines the potential risks associated with seismic activity in Zone V areas.

As India continues to invest in earthquake preparedness, monitoring, and resilient infrastructure, events like Sunday’s tremor provide both a test and an opportunity to refine disaster management strategies. Residents are encouraged to remain alert for aftershocks, adhere to safety protocols, and participate in awareness programs to ensure that the islands remain as resilient as possible against future seismic events.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, with their unique geophysical location, will continue to be closely watched by seismologists and disaster management authorities, emphasizing the ongoing intersection of scientific observation, public safety, and community preparedness in one of the world’s most seismically active regions.

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