A 5.3 magnitude earthquake struck Mulugu district in Telangana early on Wednesday morning, causing panic among residents. The earthquake, which occurred at 7:27 AM on December 4, 2024, was confirmed by the National Center for Seismology (NCS). Tremors were reported in Hyderabad, parts of Andhra Pradesh, and as far as districts in Maharashtra, including Nagpur, Gadchiroli, and Chandrapur.
Details of the Earthquake
Seismic Data:
- Magnitude: 5.3
- Time: 7:27 AM IST
- Location: Mulugu, Telangana
- Coordinates: Latitude 18.44°N, Longitude 80.24°E
- Depth: 40 km
The NCS shared these details via their official platform, X (formerly Twitter), and highlighted that this was one of the strongest earthquakes in the region in the last 20 years.
Impact on Telangana
Residents of Mulugu, who initially thought the vibrations were caused by monkeys often seen in the area, quickly realized the gravity of the situation when their walls and floors began to shake. Panic ensued as people fled their homes to safety.
Tremors were also felt in Hyderabad, the capital city, as well as other parts of Telangana, including Warangal, heightening concerns about the region’s preparedness for seismic activities.
Effects in Neighboring States
Light tremors were experienced in parts of Maharashtra, particularly in Nagpur, Gadchiroli, and Chandrapur districts, located near the Telangana border.
- Residents of Nagpur reported mild shocks.
- In Gadchiroli, tremors were confirmed by the district information office.
Telangana Weatherman’s Statement
A popular X user known as the Telangana Weatherman remarked:
“For the first time in the last 20 years, one of the strongest earthquakes occurred in Telangana with a 5.3 magnitude earthquake at Mulugu as the epicenter.”
Earthquake Preparedness and Awareness
Though no significant damages or casualties have been reported, this incident highlights the importance of:
- Public Awareness: Educating residents about safety measures during earthquakes.
- Emergency Preparedness: Ensuring robust disaster response plans in seismic zones.
- Seismic Monitoring: Strengthening infrastructure and technology to predict and mitigate earthquake impacts.
Stay Updated
The Telangana earthquake serves as a stark reminder of the region’s seismic vulnerability. While mild tremors caused widespread panic, the absence of severe damage is fortunate. Authorities must prioritize disaster readiness to safeguard communities in future seismic events.
Stay updated with India Meteorological Department (IMD) and National Center for Seismology (NCS) for the latest news and safety guidelines.
