An earthquake of magnitude 5.3 struck the Mulugu district in Telangana on Wednesday morning, sending tremors across the region and parts of neighboring Andhra Pradesh. The earthquake was recorded by the National Centre for Seismology (NCS) at around 7:27 AM on December 4, 2024. The epicenter of the quake was located near the Mulugu region in Telangana, with a depth of 40 kilometers.
The NCS confirmed the details of the earthquake, which struck at the coordinates 18.44 N latitude and 80.24 E longitude. It was classified as a moderate earthquake, and its tremors were reportedly felt in areas surrounding Mulugu, including parts of Andhra Pradesh. Residents in the affected areas experienced a brief but noticeable shake, with reports of people feeling uneasy and buildings swaying.
The earthquake’s occurrence in Telangana, which is situated in Seismic Zone II, a region associated with lower levels of seismic activity, is noteworthy. Despite being in a lower seismicity zone, the earthquake’s magnitude and impact were significant enough to be felt over a broad area. The Indian subcontinent is divided into four seismic zones, ranging from Zone II, which is considered a low-intensity seismic zone, to Zone V, the most active seismic zone. Telangana’s classification in Zone II means it is generally less prone to strong earthquakes, though moderate tremors can still occur from time to time.
According to seismic data, about 59% of India’s land area is susceptible to earthquakes of varying intensity. This includes approximately 11% of the country falling under Zone V, which experiences the highest seismicity, 18% in Zone IV, and 30% in Zone III. Although Telangana lies in a relatively low-risk area, the latest earthquake serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of seismic events in the country.
No major damage or casualties have been reported so far, but authorities are monitoring the situation closely. Local officials have advised residents to stay alert and follow safety guidelines in the event of aftershocks. The National Centre for Seismology and local authorities continue to assess the impact of the earthquake and provide updates to the public.
