Earthquake in Hyderabad: Tremors Felt Across Telangana as 5.3-Magnitude Quake Strikes Mulugu

Earthquake in Hyderabad:

Telangana experienced a rare and powerful earthquake on Wednesday morning, shaking its residents and leaving netizens abuzz. According to the National Center for Seismology (NCS), the earthquake, with a magnitude of 5.3, struck Mulugu district at 7:27 AM. The tremors were reportedly felt across the state, including the bustling city of Hyderabad, making it one of the most intense seismic events in the region in the last 20 years.

Details of the Earthquake:

The earthquake originated at a depth of 40 kilometers beneath the Earth’s surface, with its epicenter located near Mulugu, a district in northern Telangana. Known for its serene landscapes and rich tribal culture, Mulugu has rarely been associated with seismic activity of this magnitude, as the state lies in a relatively low-risk seismic zone.

While there were no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage to property, the tremors were strong enough to be felt across cities like Hyderabad, Warangal, and Hanamkonda. Witnesses reported that the quake lasted for a few seconds but was intense enough to rattle furniture and wake people from their sleep.

LIVE VIDEO: Idol Tilts Due to Earthquake
TG: The Telugu states experienced tremors due to an earthquake. This is related to Mulugu district headquarters.

Due to the earthquake, at exactly 7:27 AM, the idol in the district’s Medaram Samakka Sarakka temple tilted slightly to one side. It was reported that there were no damages to the surrounding structures or injuries to devotees at the temple. Authorities have informed that no further tremors were experienced and the situation is under control.

The CCTV footage at the temple has recorded this incident.

Hyderabad Residents React to the Tremors

The earthquake in Hyderabad has sparked a wave of reactions on social media, with many residents sharing their experiences. A Hyderabad-based user tweeted, “Woke up due to earthquake tremors around 7:25 AM. It was quite a scare!” Another user from Hanamkonda wrote, “An #earthquake was felt moments ago in #Hanamkonda, #Warangal. It lasted approximately three seconds and was quite intense.”

For many Hyderabadis, the experience was both shocking and alarming, as the region rarely witnesses seismic events of this scale. Some users took to social media to express concerns about the frequency of earthquakes near the Godavari river basin, while others were simply relieved that the tremors did not result in any major harm.

 

Understanding Telangana’s Seismic Zone Classification

Telangana, including Hyderabad, falls under Seismic Zone II, which is considered a low-intensity zone. India is divided into four seismic zones based on the likelihood and intensity of earthquakes:

  • Zone II: Low seismic risk
  • Zone III: Moderate seismic risk
  • Zone IV: High seismic risk
  • Zone V: Very high seismic risk

Zone V, which includes areas in the northeastern states and parts of northern India, experiences the highest seismic activity, while Zone II, which covers Telangana, is associated with the lowest risk. Approximately 59% of India’s landmass is vulnerable to earthquakes of varying intensities, making preparedness a critical factor.

However, the earthquake in Hyderabad and Mulugu serves as a reminder that even regions classified as low-risk are not entirely immune to seismic events. Experts believe that tectonic activity near the Godavari river basin, which lies close to Telangana, could have triggered the quake.

The Science Behind the Earthquake

Earthquakes occur when tectonic plates beneath the Earth’s crust shift or collide, releasing energy in the form of seismic waves. The 5.3-magnitude earthquake in Mulugu is considered moderate on the Richter scale, yet strong enough to cause noticeable tremors across the state. At a depth of 40 kilometers, the quake was relatively shallow, which explains why its effects were widely felt.

Notably, this isn’t the first time tremors have been reported in the region. Historically, Telangana has experienced minor seismic activities, often attributed to the presence of fault lines near the Godavari river basin. While these events are infrequent, they highlight the importance of monitoring and preparedness even in low-risk areas like Telangana.

 

Recent Earthquake Trends in India

The earthquake in Hyderabad comes just days after another seismic event in Jammu and Kashmir, where a 5.8-magnitude quake struck on November 28. The epicenter of that quake was located in Afghanistan, and it was felt across northern India, including parts of Delhi and Punjab.

These incidents are part of a broader trend of increased seismic activity in certain parts of India. Experts point out that tectonic movements in the Himalayan region and adjoining areas are the primary drivers of earthquakes in the northern parts of the country. In contrast, southern states like Telangana are generally less prone to such events, making Wednesday’s quake an unusual occurrence.

 

How Prepared Is Hyderabad for Earthquakes?

Earthquake in Hyderabad, as a growing metropolitan city, has not traditionally focused on earthquake preparedness, given its location in Seismic Zone II. However, Wednesday’s tremors underscore the need for urban centers to enhance their resilience against natural disasters.

Some key measures that could be implemented include:

  1. Structural Safety Audits: Ensuring that buildings, especially high-rises, are designed to withstand seismic forces.
  2. Emergency Preparedness: Conducting regular earthquake drills in schools, offices, and public spaces.
  3. Seismic Monitoring: Strengthening seismic observation networks to provide real-time alerts and accurate data.
  4. Public Awareness: Educating citizens about basic safety measures during earthquakes, such as the “Drop, Cover, and Hold” technique.

 

Netizens Share Mixed Emotions

Social media platforms were flooded with posts about the earthquake in Hyderabad, with hashtags like #Earthquake in Hyderabad and #TelanganaEarthquake trending throughout the day. While some users expressed concern over the state’s vulnerability to seismic activity, others shared humorous takes to lighten the mood.

One user tweeted, “Hyderabad already has traffic jams, rising temperatures, and now earthquakes? What’s next?” Another commented, “Mother Earth giving us a wake-up call – literally!”

Despite the lighthearted posts, the underlying sentiment was one of gratitude that the tremors caused no major harm.

A Wake-Up Call for Telangana

The 5.3-magnitude earthquake in Hyderabad and Mulugu is a stark reminder of the unpredictability of natural disasters. While Telangana’s classification as a low-risk zone might provide some reassurance, the quake highlights the importance of proactive measures to mitigate potential risks.

For residents of Hyderabad, the event has sparked conversations about disaster preparedness, structural safety, and the need for improved seismic monitoring in the region. As the state continues to grow and urbanize, it is crucial to prioritize resilience against not just earthquakes but all forms of natural calamities.

In conclusion, the earthquake in Hyderabad serves as a call to action for both citizens and authorities to stay vigilant and prepared. While the tremors may have subsided, the lessons they bring should not be ignored.

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