India earthquake today: A 5.4 magnitude tremor strikes Assam state, causing concern

A strong earthquake struck the northeastern Indian state of Assam in the early hours of Monday morning, causing concern in the region. The US Geological Survey recorded the quake at a magnitude of 5.4 on the Richter scale. This event brings to mind the region's long history of intense seismic activity.

Details of the earthquake and its location

According to data from the U.S. Geological Survey, the earthquake struck at 4:17 a.m. local time (10:47 p.m. GMT on Sunday). The epicenter was located just 3 kilometers outside the village of Ding, an area near the Indian border with Bhutan. While the quake was described as strong and clearly felt by residents, initial USGS estimates suggest that the number of people directly affected and the extent of material damage may be limited, which offers some reassurance at this time.

Geological context: Why do earthquakes occur so frequently in northeastern India?

This earthquake is not an isolated or rare event in this geographical area; northeastern India is classified as a region of high seismic activity (Zone 5 according to India's seismic hazard standards). The scientific reason for this is that the region lies within the continental collision zone between the Indian and Eurasian plates. This continuous tectonic movement places the Himalayas and surrounding areas under constant geological pressure, resulting in the release of stored energy from the Earth's interior in the form of earthquakes of varying intensity annually.

A history of devastating earthquakes in Assam

This tremor brings back painful memories for the region's inhabitants, as Assam has been the scene of some of the most violent earthquakes recorded in India's history:

• The 1950 earthquake: It is considered one of the major disasters, as it caused the death of about 4,800 people in both Assam and Tibet, and led to the changing of the courses of some rivers and widespread destruction of infrastructure.
• The Great Assam Earthquake (1897): Believed to have been one of the most powerful earthquakes to hit the Indian subcontinent, it killed hundreds and destroyed villages in remote hills, leaving geological traces that are still studied today.

Expected impact and safety measures

Despite the region's troubled history, advancements in earthquake monitoring systems and earthquake-resistant construction in recent years have contributed to a relatively lower loss of life compared to the last century. Local authorities and disaster management teams in India are closely monitoring the situation to assess any potential damage to older buildings or remote rural areas near the epicenter.