Arunachal, Manipur latest as series of earthquakes jolt Northeast India

Guwahati: While Arunachal Pradesh was hit by a 3.8 magnitude earthquake on Sunday, Manipur was hit by a 3.6 magnitude earthquake on Monday.

A report of National Center for Seismology stated that the epicenter of the Arunachal Pradesh earthquake, recorded at 12:12 p.m. Sunday, was in West Kameng district at a depth of 10 km. Meanwhile, the latest earthquake to hit Manipur on Monday was recorded at 5:49 p.m. with its epicenter in Tamenglong, also at a depth of 10 km.

Meanwhile, experts said microquakes have helped relieve tectonic stress and protect India from a devastating event, adding that India is well prepared to deal with the aftermath of large earthquakes as it has a dedicated, well-equipped and trained team has power in the form of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).

“It is not necessary for an earthquake of magnitude 7 and above to cause massive damage in the Himalayas. However, if we assume the worst case scenario, an earthquake of this magnitude will result in massive landslides, damage to roads, villages, flash flooding, etc. The impact on urban areas depends on the epicenter of the earthquake. It depends on which direction the waves are traveling in,” said Maj. Gen. Manoj Kumar Bindal, former executive director of the Interior Ministry’s National Institute for Disaster Management.

“So there is a lot of simulation and modelling, and land use planning done accordingly. The problem arises when someone doesn’t stick to the plans,” he added.

Although there were no immediate reports of casualties, injuries or property damage, it should be noted that Northeast India is in an officially declared seismic prone zone and reports of minor earthquakes from various Northeastern states are frequent.

However, it should be noted that the frequency of earthquakes in the region has increased, indicating the need for public awareness of disaster relief and rescue efforts.