5.3 magnitude earthquake hits Telangana, Hyderabad.
The earthquake’s epicenter was located around Mulugu, with tremors felt as far as Hyderabad. According to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS), the quake occurred at a depth of 40 kilometers.
Residents in the affected areas reported feeling strong tremors that lasted several seconds, causing brief panic but no immediate reports of major damage. The earthquake’s impact was most strongly felt in Mulugu and nearby districts, where buildings shook and some cracks were reported in older structures. In Hyderabad, the tremors were lighter but still noticeable, prompting people to evacuate buildings and seek safer ground.
Local authorities have yet to report significant casualties or structural damage, but emergency response teams have been deployed to assess the situation. The tremor serves as a reminder of the seismic activity in the region, where minor earthquakes occasionally occur, though this was the strongest tremor in recent years.
The NCS has assured the public that monitoring of aftershocks is ongoing, with efforts to provide timely updates on any developments. Authorities are urging people to remain calm and follow safety protocols in the event of additional tremors.
A 5.3 magnitude earthquake jolted Telangana’s Mulugu district on the morning of Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at around 7:27 am. The National Centre for Seismology (NCS) confirmed the seismic event, which occurred at a depth of 40 kilometers and was centered around the Mulugu region, located in the southeastern part of the state. The tremors from the earthquake were felt in several parts of Telangana, including the state capital, Hyderabad, as well as in nearby districts.
The earthquake struck with significant intensity, briefly shaking buildings and causing concern among residents. The Mulugu district, which was closest to the epicenter, experienced the strongest tremors. Although reports from local authorities have not indicated any major structural damage or casualties, there were initial reports of minor tremors being felt in several areas within the district and surrounding regions.
The NCS shared precise details about the earthquake on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), stating: “EQ of M: 5.3, On: 04/12/2024 07:27:02 IST, Lat: 18.44 N, Long: 80.24 E, Depth: 40 Km, Location: Mulugu, Telangana.” These coordinates confirmed that the epicenter was near the geographical coordinates of 18.44°N latitude and 80.24°E longitude.
Immediate Response and Safety Measures
Following the earthquake, local authorities initiated safety protocols, encouraging residents to remain calm and follow earthquake safety measures, especially in the event of aftershocks. Emergency response teams were swiftly mobilized to assess the situation, with first responders reaching out to Mulugu and other affected areas to check for any casualties or property damage. While there were reports of minor tremors that had caused people to evacuate buildings in the affected regions, no major damage to infrastructure had been confirmed at the time of reporting.
In Hyderabad, the tremors were lighter but still noticeable, prompting residents to evacuate office buildings and residential complexes as a precaution. The shaking caused people to feel uneasy, and the public was urged to stay alert for any aftershocks. Several people in the city also took to social media to report their experiences of feeling the tremors, with some posting videos of the shaking.
The seismic activity in Mulugu is being closely monitored by the NCS and local authorities. As of now, there have been no significant reports of structural damage, though inspections of key buildings and roads in the affected areas are underway to ensure public safety. Authorities have also stated that there is no immediate threat of a larger earthquake or tsunami, as the seismic activity appeared to be localized.
Earthquake in Context
While this earthquake is considered moderate in magnitude, with a 5.3 rating on the Richter scale, it has drawn attention to the seismic vulnerability of Telangana and surrounding regions. The region is not typically known for frequent high-magnitude earthquakes, but it is part of India’s broader seismic zone, which experiences occasional tremors due to tectonic plate movements. Earthquakes of this magnitude can cause significant disruptions if they occur near densely populated areas, and even smaller quakes can pose a risk to buildings and infrastructure, especially in areas not designed to withstand seismic activity.
Telangana, like much of southern and central India, is in a region that has historically seen occasional seismic activity. The state lies on the western edge of the Godavari Basin, which is known to have some tectonic fault lines. Earthquakes are not as frequent in this region as they are in areas closer to the Himalayan belt, but there are occasional tremors that serve as reminders of the need for preparedness in the event of a larger seismic event.
In the past, India has experienced devastating earthquakes, including the 2001 Gujarat earthquake, which measured 7.7 on the Richter scale, and the 1993 Latur earthquake in Maharashtra, which caused extensive damage. Although this earthquake in Mulugu was considerably smaller in comparison, it highlights the ongoing need for earthquake preparedness, particularly in urban areas like Hyderabad, which are vulnerable to the impacts of tremors and can suffer significant disruption to daily life during such events.
Public Reactions and Ongoing Monitoring
In the aftermath of the earthquake, residents of Telangana and Hyderabad shared their experiences of the tremors on social media. Many described feeling nervous and disoriented, particularly those who were inside tall buildings or high-rise apartments. Several users posted updates about evacuations and safety measures, while others expressed relief that no major damage or injuries had been reported so far. People also expressed concern about potential aftershocks, a common occurrence following an earthquake of this magnitude.
Seismologists and local authorities have stressed the importance of staying alert for aftershocks, which often follow significant seismic events. Although the initial quake’s intensity was moderate, there is always a possibility of subsequent tremors. Experts have advised people in affected areas to avoid standing near windows or under heavy objects and to drop to the ground, take cover, and hold on until the shaking stops in the event of aftershocks.
The National Centre for Seismology has continued to monitor the region and provide updates. Their seismic tracking systems remain active to detect any further developments. Additionally, local authorities in Telangana are conducting detailed assessments to ensure that infrastructure remains safe and to address any concerns of public safety.
Conclusion
While the earthquake that struck Telangana’s Mulugu district on December 4, 2024, did not cause significant damage or casualties, it served as a reminder of the region’s vulnerability to seismic activity. With the epicenter located just 40 kilometers below the surface, the tremors were felt over a wide area, including in Hyderabad, where the shaking prompted some evacuation. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and have assured the public that safety measures are in place should aftershocks occur.
The earthquake highlights the importance of preparedness in earthquake-prone regions, even in areas like Telangana, which are not as regularly affected by seismic events. It also emphasizes the need for continued vigilance, effective emergency response, and public awareness of safety protocols. While there have been no major reports of damage so far, the ongoing assessments will help ensure that any hidden risks are addressed quickly and efficiently.