Shallow tremor centered near Dhing triggers strong shaking; USGS indicates limited impact in seismically active Himalayan region.
A moderate earthquake measuring 5.4 on the Richter scale struck the northeastern Indian state of Assam in the early hours of Monday, with tremors felt in areas near the border with Bhutan.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the quake occurred at 4:17 a.m. local time (2:47 a.m. UAE time) and was centered just three kilometers outside the village of Dhing in the Nagaon district. The epicenter was located at a shallow depth, amplifying the sensation of shaking in nearby regions.
The USGS reported strong ground movement in the vicinity of the epicenter but noted that due to the rural and less densely populated location, the number of people exposed to significant shaking was likely limited. Initial reports from local authorities did not indicate major structural damage or casualties, though assessments are ongoing.
The Himalayan belt, which includes Assam, is one of the world’s most tectonically active zones, experiencing frequent seismic activity due to the ongoing collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates. The region has witnessed several catastrophic earthquakes in the past, including a 1950 temblor that resulted in approximately 4,800 fatalities across Assam and Tibet, and the Great Assam Earthquake of 1897—recorded as one of the most powerful in India’s history.
Disaster response teams in Assam are monitoring the situation and evaluating affected areas. Residents in parts of Assam and neighboring states reported feeling the tremor, but there have been no immediate alerts for significant aftershocks.
Earthquakes of this magnitude, while notable, are not uncommon in the region, underscoring the persistent seismic risk faced by communities in the Himalayan foothills.
