Earthquake Rocks Assam and Beyond
Residents of Assam’s capital Guwahati woke up to a sudden jolt on Sunday morning as a strong earthquake rattled the city and surrounding areas. The tremors were powerful enough to be felt not just in Assam but also across parts of neighbouring Bhutan and North Bengal, leaving people shaken and rushing out of their homes.
While no immediate reports of casualties or major damage have surfaced, the sheer intensity of the quake sparked panic. Locals described doors creaking, utensils rattling, and furniture swaying for several seconds. For a region already sitting on a known seismic zone, the quake was yet another reminder of nature’s unpredictable force.
People Recall Terrifying Moments
Eyewitness accounts painted a picture of fear and uncertainty. “I was having tea when suddenly the table started vibrating. At first, I thought a heavy truck was passing by, but within seconds, the whole building shook. Everyone rushed outside,” said Rajesh Das, a shop owner in Guwahati’s Chandmari area.
In Bhutan, similar experiences were reported. Many residents took to social media to describe their panic. “The tremor lasted long enough to scare us out of our homes. Thankfully, it stopped before causing real harm,” wrote one user from Thimphu.
Experts Warn of Seismic Vulnerability
The northeastern belt of India, including Assam, is categorized as a high-risk seismic zone. The collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates makes the region vulnerable to frequent earthquakes. According to seismologists, today’s tremor is part of an ongoing pattern of seismic activity that has historically posed risks to Assam and surrounding areas.
A senior official from the National Center for Seismology (NCS) explained, “Assam and the northeast have always been sensitive zones. Even moderate earthquakes can be felt widely here because of the geological structure. While we are relieved that there was no large-scale destruction, preparedness remains key.”
Guwahati on Alert Mode
Authorities in Guwahati quickly moved into action, monitoring buildings, bridges, and public infrastructure for any visible damage. Emergency helplines were kept active, and residents were urged not to spread rumours.
City hospitals confirmed that they had not received any earthquake-related injuries as of the latest update. Schools and offices that had just opened after the weekend break reported temporary evacuations but resumed normal schedules within hours.
Impact in North Bengal and Bhutan
In North Bengal towns like Siliguri and Jalpaiguri, residents experienced the tremors clearly. “The fans above us started shaking, and people in our apartment ran downstairs,” said Ananya Chatterjee, a college student from Siliguri.
Bhutan too reported noticeable tremors, though authorities there confirmed that no damage was recorded. Bhutanese media urged citizens to remain calm while acknowledging the quake’s cross-border impact.
Memories of Past Quakes Resurface
For many in Assam, today’s tremor brought back haunting memories of the devastating 1950 Assam earthquake, one of the most powerful in history with a magnitude of 8.6. Though today’s quake was nowhere near that intensity, the psychological effect was strong.
Older residents recalled the 2021 Assam quake that damaged homes and cracked roads in Tezpur. “We know this land can move at any time. That’s why every shake makes us anxious,” said 62-year-old farmer Hariram Gogoi.
Social Media Flooded with Reactions
Minutes after the tremor, social media platforms were flooded with posts, videos, and memes. “My bed turned into a rollercoaster,” joked one Twitter user from Guwahati. But beneath the humour was a layer of genuine fear, as many residents admitted they still don’t know how to respond when earthquakes strike.
Experts have repeatedly emphasized the importance of basic earthquake preparedness: keeping emergency kits ready, identifying safe spots in homes, and ensuring children know evacuation routes.
Officials Urge Calm and Vigilance
Assam’s disaster management authority issued a statement assuring the public that monitoring was underway. “There is no immediate threat. Citizens should stay calm but remain alert. Rumours on social media should be ignored,” the release said.
Bhutanese officials echoed a similar stance, urging people not to panic. North Bengal authorities also kept emergency services on standby in case aftershocks followed.
What Comes Next
Seismologists are currently analyzing the quake’s epicenter and magnitude, which was initially estimated between 5 and 6 on the Richter scale. Aftershocks are possible, though none have been reported yet.
Looking ahead, experts stress the need for long-term investments in earthquake-resistant construction in Assam and neighbouring states. With rapid urbanization and high population density in cities like Guwahati, the stakes are higher than ever.
As the dust settles, the people of Assam, Bhutan, and North Bengal find themselves once again reminded of nature’s raw power. Today may have ended without casualties, but the tremors left behind a question that continues to echo: How ready are we for the next big one?