Earthquake of Magnitude 5 Jolts Assam's Morigaon District

Dispur: A massive earthquake of magnitude five hit the Morigaon district of Assam in the early hours of Thursday, with its epicentre in Assam itself. However, so far, there has been no news of destruction or injuries.

Assam Earthquake : Strong Tremours Felt in Morigaon District

A magnitude five earthquake hit the Morigaon district of Assam during the early hours of Thursday, as reported by the National Center for Seismology (NCS). The quake took place at 2:25 am and was recorded at a depth of 16 kilometers.

The Assam Earthquake comes days after an earthquake of 5.1 magnitude struck the Bay of Bengal on Tuesday, at around 6:10 am. The tremours of the earthquake were felt in parts of West Bengal including Kolkata.

Also Read: Earthquake of Magnitude 5.1 Hits Bay of Bengal

Why Do Earthquakes Occur, How Can They Be Measured on a Richter Scale?

Earthquakes happen when there’s a rapid release of energy in the Earth's crust, usually triggered by the movement of tectonic plates. This movement generates seismic waves that can shake the ground, leading to substantial damage to structures and infrastructure.

To measure an earthquake, scientists use a seismograph, which records ground vibrations from seismic waves. When an earthquake occurs, it generates a trace on a graph that indicates the intensity of the movement. The Richter scale evaluates the amplitude of these waves to determine the earthquake's magnitude, with larger amplitudes corresponding to stronger earthquakes. By measuring the distance from the seismograph to the epicenter, experts can accurately assess the earthquake's strength, with higher magnitudes signaling greater destruction.

Also Read: Here's 5 Things You Should Avoid During an Earthquake

What Precautions To Take During an Earthquake?

It is essential to take safety measures during an earthquake to protect yourself. Find strong furniture or structures to shelter under, keeping clear of windows and large objects. Secure heavy items like furniture and appliances to prevent them from falling over. Have an emergency kit ready, stocked with essentials such as water, food, medications, and a flashlight. Stay updated on local earthquake safety guidelines and evacuation paths.