On Wednesday morning, December 4, 2024, a 5.3 magnitude earthquake struck Mulugu district in Telangana at 7:27 am IST, as reported by the National Centre for Seismology (NCS). The quake’s epicenter was located at latitude 18.44°N and longitude 80.24°E, with a depth of 40 kilometers.
Dr. Prakash Kumar, Director of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Geophysical Research Institute (CSIR-NGRI), noted that Hyderabad, the state capital, is generally considered a stable and low-risk area for seismic activity, making such an event rare for the region. He stated, “We have got to know that people felt the tremors lightly. They might have felt it very lightly. Hyderabad is not an earthquake-prone area. We see it as a stable region.”
Telangana falls under Seismic Zone II, indicating a low-intensity zone. Approximately 59% of India’s landmass is prone to earthquakes of varying intensities, with Zone V expecting the highest level of seismicity and Zone II the lowest.
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There were no immediate reports of casualties or major damage from the earthquake. Authorities continue to monitor the situation and assess any potential impact.
Understanding Earthquakes in Stable Regions
Earthquakes result from the sudden release of energy due to movement along faults within the Earth’s crust. While most seismic activity aligns with tectonic plate boundaries, intraplate earthquakes can occur within a single tectonic plate, often in areas deemed geologically stable.
Causes of Intraplate Earthquakes
Intraplate earthquakes may arise from:
Reactivation of Ancient Faults: Stresses can accumulate along pre-existing faults, leading to sudden slips.
Isostatic Adjustments: The Earth’s crust adjusts to changes in surface loads, such as erosion or sediment deposition, potentially inducing seismic activity.
Human Activities: Activities like mining, reservoir-induced seismicity from large dams, and hydraulic fracturing can trigger earthquakes in stable regions.
Characteristics of Intraplate Earthquakes
These earthquakes often have shallow focal depths, resulting in more noticeable ground shaking over a localized area. Due to their rarity, communities in stable regions may be less prepared, potentially leading to greater impact despite moderate magnitudes.
Case Study: Lake Muir Earthquake, Australia
In September 2018, a magnitude 5.3 earthquake occurred near Lake Muir in Western Australia, a stable continental region. Field mapping and InSAR data revealed surface deformation, highlighting that even stable areas can experience significant seismic events.
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Implications for Telangana
The recent Mulugu earthquake underscores the importance of:
Seismic Monitoring: Enhancing monitoring networks to detect and analyze seismic activity in traditionally stable regions.
Preparedness Measures: Implementing building codes and public awareness programs to mitigate risks associated with unexpected seismic events.
Understanding that stable regions are not immune to earthquakes is crucial for comprehensive seismic risk assessment and preparedness.
