Two Earthquakes Rattle Umred Taluka, No Damage Reported
Two mild earthquakes measuring 2.3 and 3.0 magnitudes struck Umred Taluka in Nagpur district, causing public alarm but no reported damage.
Tremors occurred at 3:05 PM and 3:20 PM on Tuesday.
Both earthquakes were felt within 20-30 km of Nagpur city.
No casualties or property damage have been reported.
On Tuesday afternoon, residents of Umred Taluka in Nagpur district experienced two mild earthquakes, measuring 2.3 and 3.0 on the Richter scale. The first tremor was recorded at approximately 3:05 PM near Matkazari, while the second followed shortly after at 3:20 PM near Davha village. According to the National Centre for Seismology, the epicentres were located at depths of 10 and 8 kilometers, respectively, and both were felt within a 20-30 km radius of Nagpur city.
The tremors prompted a wave of panic among local residents, although no reports of injuries or property damage have surfaced. This incident marks a continuation of seismic activity in the region, with Nagpur having previously experienced a tremor of 3.3 magnitude in 2020. Historical data indicates that since 1938, the area has not recorded seismic activity exceeding a magnitude of 4, categorizing it as a relatively safe zone for earthquakes.
Experts from the Geological Survey of India (GSI) have noted that while Nagpur is classified under the safest earthquake zone, the occurrence of these recent tremors challenges that classification. The GSI has previously indicated that low to moderate earthquakes are possible, and the recent events may suggest a reactivation of geological faults in the region. Dr. Anjan Chatterjee, a former GSI official, emphasized the need for further geophysical surveys to better understand the seismic behavior of the area.
The tremors were located near Matkazari Dam and Saiki Dam, but experts have ruled out reservoir-induced seismicity due to the small size of these water bodies. With the depth of the earthquakes being relatively shallow, the potential for significant geological impact remains low, yet the frequency of tremors in recent years has raised concerns among residents and authorities alike.
Looking ahead, experts are calling for comprehensive seismic studies to assess the region's geological stability. The last major seismic profiling in the Deccan Volcanic Province, which includes Nagpur, was conducted nearly 40 years ago. As seismic activity continues to be observed in and around Nagpur, including nearby regions like Seoni and Hingoli, authorities are urged to take proactive measures to monitor and address potential geological risks.
