M6.0 Earthquake Strikes Assam, Panic Grips Districts

A powerful magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck Assam and other parts of Northeast India, causing panic and widespread damage. The tremors, which lasted for nearly 30 seconds, were felt across several districts, leading people to rush out of their homes. This event is a stark reminder of the region's vulnerability, as it lies in the highest seismic risk zone in India.

The Epicenter and Geological Cause

The earthquake's epicenter was located near the town of Dhekiajuli in the Sonitpur district of Assam. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) placed the epicenter at a depth of 34 kilometers. India's National Centre for Seismology (NCS) reported a slightly different location and a shallower focal depth of 17 kilometers. This difference is not unusual, as different agencies use varying methods for calculation.

The primary cause of the earthquake is attributed to the Kopili Fault Zone, a seismically active lineament that extends from western Manipur to the tri-junction of Bhutan, Arunachal Pradesh, and Assam. This fault is part of the larger geological setup where the Indian tectonic plate is subducting beneath the Eurasian plate. This continuous convergence builds up immense stress, which is periodically released in the form of earthquakes.

The region's geology, with its deep-rooted fault lines and a high degree of tectonic stress, makes it highly prone to seismic activity.

Widespread Damage and Aftershocks

The M6.0 earthquake caused significant damage, particularly in the districts closest to the epicenter. The main tremors were followed by several aftershocks, some of which were also felt strongly across the region.

• Structural Damage: While no major building collapses were reported, there was widespread non-structural damage. Houses and buildings in districts like Sonitpur, Nagaon, and Guwahati developed large cracks in their walls and floors. In Nagaon, a multi-story building was seen tilting, leaning against an adjacent structure.
• Infrastructure Impact: The earthquake also damaged public infrastructure. Roads developed huge cracks, and landslides were reported in areas like the Bhairavkund hills in Udalguri. Water pipelines ruptured, leading to flooding in some buildings.
• Casualties: The earthquake resulted in two fatalities and at least 12 injuries. Both deaths were due to heart attacks, brought on by the sudden shock and panic.

The tremors were felt not only in Assam but also in neighboring states like Meghalaya and West Bengal, as well as in other countries like Bhutan, Bangladesh, and parts of China and Myanmar.

The Human Toll and Public Panic

The earthquake, which occurred in the morning, caught many residents unprepared. People rushed out of their homes in fear and remained outside for several hours due to the continuous aftershocks. The panic was palpable, especially in urban centers with high-rise buildings. The timing of the quake, however, proved to be a small mercy. Since it happened on a weekday morning and not during a busy work or school day, casualties were minimized.

The sight of tilted buildings and damaged homes caused immense fear and anxiety among the residents. Many took to social media to share photos and videos of the destruction, further highlighting the widespread impact of the tremor. The government, including then-Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, issued appeals for calm and urged everyone to stay alert.

A History of Seismic Activity in Assam

Assam and the entire Northeast region lie in Seismic Zone V, the highest-risk zone for earthquakes in India. The region has a history of some of the most powerful and destructive earthquakes on record.

• 1897 Assam Earthquake: A massive M8.0 earthquake, also known as the Great Assam Earthquake, caused catastrophic damage and killed over 1,500 people. It leveled all masonry buildings in the region and was felt across India.
• 1950 Assam-Tibet Earthquake: This was the sixth-largest earthquake of the 20th century, with a magnitude of 8.6. While its epicenter was in Tibet, it caused severe damage in Assam, with widespread landslides and floods that led to over 1,500 deaths.

The latest M6.0 quake is a poignant reminder of this history and the ever-present danger posed by the region's active tectonics. Experts continue to stress the need for building earthquake-resilient structures and implementing robust disaster preparedness plans.

Cricket Players from Assam

Assam has produced several notable cricketers who have made their mark on the national stage. While the earthquake is a serious matter, acknowledging the contributions of sports figures can provide a broader context of the state's cultural landscape.

The Assam cricket team, which participates in India's domestic cricket tournaments, includes players such as:

• Riyan Parag: A dynamic all-rounder known for his performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
• Sibsankar Roy: The left-handed batter and off-break bowler who captains the team in List A cricket.
• Denish Das: The current captain for the first-class and T20 teams.
• Mukhtar Hussain: A right-arm medium-fast bowler who is a key part of the team's pace attack.
• Pallavkumar Das: An opening batter who has been a consistent performer for the team