5.8 magnitude earthquake jolts Assam, epicentre near Udalguri

A magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck Assam on Sunday, triggering tremors that were felt across several areas

A magnitude 5.8 earthquake struck Assam on Sunday, triggering tremors that were felt across several areas. The earthquake took place at 4.41 pm on Sunday, and the epicentre was in Udalguri district, the officials said. The depth of the quake was 5 km.

Strong tremors were felt in Guwahati and adjoining areas, forcing many residents to rush out of their homes in panic. Reports of shaking also came in from neighbouring states.

There were no immediate reports of casualties or major damage. Authorities said they are closely monitoring the situation.

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal reacted to the tremors on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “Major earthquake in Assam. My prayers for everyone's safety and well-being. Urge all to stay alert!”

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, in a post on X, said, "The epicentre (of the earthquake) was near Udalguri. So far, there has been no report of any major damage or loss of life. We are actively monitoring the situation." Residents of Udalguri, Sonitpur, Tamulpur, Nalbari and several other districts in Assam felt the tremors.

Panic-gripped people were seen rushing out of their residences in Guwahati. People of the western parts of Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh also felt the jolt. Residents in Arunachal Pradesh's capital Itanagar ran out of their houses and shops in panic.

According to state disaster management secretary Dani Sulu, no reports of structural damage or casualties have been reported from the state so far. “The situation is being closely monitored, but there is no cause for alarm,” he said.

The Northeast, including Assam, lies in a high seismic zone and has witnessed frequent earthquakes in the past.