Telangana’s Unusual 5.3 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Mulugu
An earthquake of 5.3 magnitude struck Telangana’s Mulugu district on Wednesday morning at 7:27 AM, with tremors felt across Hyderabad and parts of Andhra Pradesh. The National Center for Seismology (NCS) confirmed that the magnitude is unusually high for Telangana, which lies in a low-intensity seismic zone. Although the tremors caused panic among locals, no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage have emerged.
Why Telangana’s Earthquake is Unusual
India’s seismic activity is classified into four zones: Zone II, Zone III, Zone IV, and Zone V. While Zone V experiences the highest seismic activity, Zone II—the classification under which Telangana falls—is considered a low-damage risk zone. Typically, earthquakes in such regions range between magnitudes of 3.0 and 5.0 on the Richter scale.
However, this earthquake, recorded at 5.3 magnitude, stands out as a rare event for Zone II regions. The Indian Peninsular Shield, which comprises Telangana, is made up of ancient and stable rock formations. These geological features ensure minimal tectonic activity compared to active plate boundary regions like the Himalayas.
Most earthquakes in stable regions are minor, often triggered by localized stress or human activities such as mining or reservoir-induced seismicity. A natural earthquake of such high magnitude is highly unusual for Telangana, emphasizing its rarity in low-risk zones.
India’s Seismic Zones Explained
India’s seismic zoning categorizes areas based on the intensity and frequency of potential earthquakes:
- Zone V: Highest seismic activity, covering 11% of India.
- Zone IV: Significant seismic activity, accounting for 18%.
- Zone III: Moderate seismic activity, encompassing 30%.
- Zone II: Low seismic activity, including Telangana, with the least damage risk.
In total, about 59% of India’s landmass is vulnerable to earthquakes of varying intensities. Telangana’s Zone II designation means it is among the least susceptible areas, which adds to the significance of this recent seismic event.
What Could Have Caused the Earthquake?
While the exact cause remains uncertain, experts suggest possible local stress buildup or human-induced activities could have contributed to the tremor. In contrast to tectonically active zones, natural seismic activity in stable shield regions like Telangana is typically low. This anomaly raises questions about the evolving stress patterns in the Indian Peninsular Shield and calls for further study.
Impact on Telangana and Beyond
The earthquake startled residents across the affected areas, leading to early morning panic. Although no major damages or injuries were reported, the event serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of natural disasters. The government and disaster management authorities may now consider revisiting preparedness strategies, even in low-risk zones like Telangana.
The 5.3 magnitude earthquake in Telangana highlights the need for increased awareness and preparedness for seismic events, even in areas traditionally considered safe. This rare incident underscores the importance of scientific research to understand seismic anomalies better and safeguard communities.
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