Guwahati Tremors: Magnitude 5.8 Earthquake Rocks Parts of North-East India

Introduction

On Sunday afternoon, at around 4:41 pm, a powerful earthquake measuring 5.8 on the Richter scale shook Guwahati and several districts across North-East India. The epicenter was reported in Udalguri district of Assam, at a depth of just 5 km, according to officials from the National Centre for Seismology. Tremors were not only felt in Guwahati but also across Sonitpur, Tamulpur, Nalbari, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, North Bengal, and even neighboring Bhutan.

Although no casualties or major property damage have been reported so far, the tremors sparked panic among residents, with many rushing out of homes, offices, and shops to open areas for safety. Videos and images circulating online showed people gathering in large numbers on the streets, highlighting the region’s vulnerability to seismic events.

In this blog, we’ll break down the details of the Guwahati earthquake, its epicenter and impact, why the North-East is prone to frequent tremors, and practical safety tips to follow during such situations.

Details of the Earthquake

• Magnitude: 5.8 on the Richter scale
• Epicenter: Udalguri district, Assam
• Depth: 5 km
• Time: 4:41 pm, Sunday
• Affected Areas: Assam (Guwahati, Sonitpur, Tamulpur, Nalbari, Udalguri), parts of Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, North Bengal, and Bhutan.

The tremors were felt most strongly in Guwahati, where people described the shaking as “short but intense.” In Udalguri and surrounding districts, residents reported noticeable jolts strong enough to prompt immediate evacuation of buildings.

Government Response

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma promptly addressed the incident on X (formerly Twitter), confirming:

• “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.”

Authorities from the State Disaster Management Departments of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh confirmed there were no reports of casualties or structural damage as of late Sunday evening. Dani Sulu, Arunachal Pradesh’s disaster management secretary, reassured citizens that the situation was being closely monitored and that there was no immediate cause for alarm.

Impact on Daily Life

While the earthquake did not cause significant destruction, it certainly disrupted normal routines:

• Panic in Guwahati: Residents rushed out of houses, apartments, and commercial buildings, crowding streets and open grounds.
• Shops and businesses: Many shopkeepers in Itanagar and Guwahati shut their stores temporarily out of fear.
• Traffic congestion: Sudden panic led to heavy traffic in parts of Guwahati, as people abandoned buildings and gathered in vehicles.
• Schools and offices: Reports indicated that students and office workers were evacuated as a precautionary measure.

Why North-East India is Prone to Earthquakes

The North-Eastern states of India are among the most seismically active regions in the world. Here’s why:

• The region lies in Seismic Zone V, the highest risk zone as classified by the Indian seismic zoning map.
• It sits at the junction of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, making it extremely vulnerable to tectonic movements.
• Past records show the North-East has witnessed multiple high-intensity earthquakes over the decades, including the devastating 1950 Assam earthquake (magnitude 8.6), which caused widespread destruction.

This latest quake, though moderate in magnitude, is yet another reminder of the seismic sensitivity of the region.

How People Reacted

Eyewitness accounts painted a clear picture of the fear and uncertainty triggered by the tremors:

• “I was sitting in my living room when everything started shaking. I grabbed my child and rushed outside,” said a resident of Guwahati’s Beltola area.
• In Itanagar, panic-stricken people were seen running out of shops and homes. Many stayed outdoors long after the tremors had stopped.
• In districts like Sonitpur and Nalbari, villagers reported mild structural vibrations, though no cracks or visible damage were noticed.

Social media platforms were flooded with posts, images, and short videos capturing the moment of chaos.

Safety Tips During Earthquakes

Even though this particular quake did not result in casualties, it serves as a wake-up call for preparedness. Here are practical safety measures recommended by disaster management experts:

If You Are Indoors:

• Stay away from windows, glass, mirrors, and heavy furniture that could topple.
• Do not use elevators during tremors.

If You Are Outdoors:

• Move to an open space away from buildings, streetlights, and power lines.
• Avoid standing under trees, bridges, or near walls that could collapse.

If You Are Driving:

• Stop the vehicle in a safe area away from overpasses, tunnels, or tall structures.
• Remain inside until the shaking stops.

After the Earthquake:

• Expect aftershocks and be cautious about re-entering buildings.
• Check for gas leaks, electrical hazards, and structural cracks in your home.
• Keep emergency numbers handy and listen to official updates from authorities.

Lessons from the Guwahati Earthquake

This earthquake highlights several important lessons for individuals and authorities:

• Preparedness matters: Regular earthquake drills in schools, offices, and residential complexes can save lives.
• Disaster management awareness: Many people still panic and make unsafe choices during tremors. More awareness campaigns are needed.
• Infrastructure checks: Buildings in seismic zones must follow earthquake-resistant construction guidelines.
• Community response: Quick evacuation and coordination among residents can reduce panic and injuries.

Historical Context: Earthquakes in Assam and the North-East

The North-East’s history is filled with seismic activity:

• 1897 Assam Earthquake: Magnitude 8.1, causing widespread destruction.
• 1950 Assam-Tibet Earthquake: Magnitude 8.6, one of the strongest recorded globally.
• Multiple moderate earthquakes (magnitude 5–6 range) have occurred in Assam, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh in recent years.

This seismic history underscores the importance of disaster readiness and resilient infrastructure in the region.

Conclusion

The 5.8 magnitude earthquake in Guwahati and parts of the North-East may not have caused casualties or property damage, but it has once again reminded residents of the region’s high seismic risk. The incident emphasizes the need for awareness, preparedness, and strong disaster management systems.

For citizens, the key takeaway is clear: stay calm, know the safety protocols, and act quickly during tremors. For authorities, the focus must remain on infrastructure resilience, real-time monitoring, and public education.

Earthquakes cannot be prevented, but their impact can certainly be minimized. The tremors in Guwahati should serve as a wake-up call for both residents and policymakers in the North-East.