A moderate earthquake measuring 4.1 on the Richter scale struck Meghalaya and parts of Assam on Saturday night, January 24, at 10:08 pm, sending tremors across several districts, including Guwahati. The quake was recorded at a shallow depth of 10 km, with its epicentre in Assam’s Goalpara district.
Residents in Guwahati reported mild shaking for a few seconds, particularly in high-rise buildings, though no panic or emergency situations were reported.
A 4.1-magnitude earthquake hit Meghalaya and parts of Assam on January 24 at 10:08 pm, according to the National Centre for Seismology. The epicentre was in Goalpara district, Assam, at a depth of 10 km. No loss of life or property damage has been reported so far.
What Authorities Said
According to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS), the earthquake occurred at:
- Latitude: 26.05° N
- Longitude: 90.52° E
- Depth: 10 km
The epicentre was located in Goalpara district, close enough for tremors to be felt across western and central Assam.
Tremors Felt Across Guwahati
Several residents in Guwahati said they felt light tremors, especially in apartment buildings in areas such as Dispur, Chandmari, and Beltola. Some reported ceiling fans swaying briefly, though the shaking subsided within seconds.
Emergency services in the city said no distress calls were received following the tremor.
Impact Assessment
As of late Saturday night:
- No casualties have been reported
- No damage to property has been confirmed
- No aftershocks were officially recorded
District administrations in Assam and Meghalaya said they are monitoring the situation, but no alerts have been issued.
Northeast’s Seismic Sensitivity
The Northeast region, including Assam and Meghalaya, lies in one of India’s most seismically active zones. Experts note that low- to moderate-intensity earthquakes are relatively frequent due to tectonic movements in the region.
Authorities continue to advise residents to remain aware of basic earthquake safety protocols, particularly in urban centres like Guwahati with dense residential structures.
What Happens Next
- Seismological agencies will continue monitoring for aftershocks
- Local administrations remain on standby
- Residents are advised to report any structural damage
Officials said updates will be issued if there are any changes in the situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was the epicentre of the earthquake?
The epicentre was located in the Goalpara district of Assam.
Was the earthquake felt in Guwahati?
Yes, mild tremors were felt in parts of Guwahati, especially in high-rise residential buildings.
