Mulugu Earthquake Second Largest in Telangana in 55 Years

Telangana Mulugu Earthquake Second Largest in 55 Years 2024, 5.3-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Telangana: Tremors Felt in Hyderabad

 

Second Largest in 55 Years 2024 : Mulugu Earthquake Second Largest in Telangana in 55 Years, A magnitude 5.3 earthquake struck Telangana today and tremors were felt across Hyderabad. Get all the information about the earthquake’s impact, safety measures and expert opinion on seismic activity in the region. A magnitude 5.3 earthquake struck Telangana’s Mulugu district at 7:27 am on December 4, 2024. The tremors were widely felt in Hyderabad and surrounding areas.

This seismic event has raised concerns about earthquake preparedness in a region that is usually low risk of earthquakes. Below, we outline the earthquake, its impacts and what residents should keep in mind about seismic activity in Telangana. Tremors were felt 200 km away in Hyderabad and neighbouring districts. NGRI director says these are not ‘major earthquakes’.

Overview of the Earthquake

It was 40 km below the earth’s surface which is relatively shallow for an earthquake of this magnitude. The tremors were for several seconds and had intensity, people were panicking in urban areas like Hyderabad. Reports from different places were that people were coming out of buildings.

On December 2, 2024 morning, residents of Mulugu district in southern part of Telangana were jolted by a 5.3 magnitude earthquake. Epicenter was near Mulugu town and tremors were felt in several other places including state capital Hyderabad which is 150 km away from epicenter.

Earthquake Facts:

• Magnitude: 5.3
• Location: Mulugu district, Telangana
• Depth: 40 km
• Time: 7:27 AM IST
• Regions Affected: Hyderabad, parts of Andhra Pradesh, and even Maharashtra.

Why Mulugu Earthquake is Important: Mulugu earthquake is important for the following reasons:

• 2nd in 55 years: 5.3 magnitude is the 2nd biggest in 55 years. The biggest in recent times was in 1991 and though it was of similar magnitude, the damage was minimal.
• Seismic Activity in Low Risk Zone: Telangana is a low to moderate earthquake risk zone (Zone II on India’s seismic zoning map). So Mulugu earthquake is an unusual and notable event.
• Impact on Hyderabad: Although the epicenter was in Mulugu, the tremors were felt in Hyderabad which is more than 150 km away. This widespread impact raises questions about the region’s preparedness for bigger earthquakes.

Seismic History of Telangana: Telangana is not a high risk earthquake zone. According to Indian Bureau of Mines, the region is in Seismic Zone II which means low to moderate probability of earthquakes. But this doesn’t mean the region is completely safe from seismic activity. In fact Telangana has had several mild to moderate earthquakes in the past but none as big as Mulugu earthquake.

Here is a brief look into the seismic history of Telangana:

• 1991 Earthquake: The last major earth quake in the region came in 1991. The magnitude was 5.3. This event too caused minor damage but resulted in no loss of life.Other Minor Quakes: Since then, minor quakes have been felt in the region, but they generally have had little effect.
• Recent Trends: Large earthquakes are not very common, but researchers warn that even a minor earthquake in the region is not to be neglected as it could be the forerunner of more dramatic tectonic shifts which could eventually cause bigger tremors.
• The Impact of the Mulugu Earthquake on the Community: Although the Mulugu earthquake caused widespread panic because of its unusual magnitude, the actual impact was relatively contained. Here are some of the key effects of the earthquake:
• Public Panic and Awareness: The tremors caused a brief moment of panic among residents in Mulugu and Hyderabad. People rushed out of their homes and offices, fearing aftershocks or larger tremors. The event heightened public awareness about the vulnerability of the region towards earthquakes, even in an area considered low-risk.
• Minor Infrastructure Concerns: Some buildings in Hyderabad experienced minor swaying, but there were no reports of major damage. The local authorities and emergency services in Telangana swiftly conducted checks to ensure that buildings, particularly older ones, were safe.
• Disruption to Daily Life: Though the tremors were temporary, they disrupted daily activity. In some parts of Hyderabad, traffic was disrupted, and people were asked not to approach tall buildings after the tremors had passed by.

Impact on residents

Although there have been no reports of casualties or significant structural damage so far, local authorities are conducting assessments to ensure public safety. Emergency services have been mobilized to inspect buildings and infrastructure for any potential risks.

Public response:

• Many residents reported that they felt strong tremors.
• There were discussions on social media about the earthquake.
• Local authorities urged residents to remain calm and seek information through official channels.

Safety Measures and Preparedness

With this recent earthquake, it is important for the residents to know safety measures and preparedness strategies in case of future seismic activities:

Recommended Safety Measures:

• Drop, Cover, and Hold On: During shakings, drop down to your hands and knees, cover your head and neck under sturdy furniture, and hold on until the shaking stops.
• Build an Emergency Kit: Include essentials like water, food, first aid supplies, flashlight, batteries and important documents
• Family Emergency Plan: Communicate to all family members how to react during an earthquake, and where to meet after.
• Listen to Local News and Other Alerts: Keep abreast with local news and other alerts from the authority on aftershocks or continued seismic activity.

Seismic Activity Insights from Experts

While it may seem strange for Telangana to experience an earthquake, experts argue that preparedness in any region will be necessary in the face of this incident. The seismologists further advise that increased monitoring and public education can help curb the risk of earthquakes.

Key Insights

• Seismic Monitoring: Advanced monitoring systems can enable early warnings in case of future earthquakes.
• Public Education: Community-based programs about earthquake preparedness can enhance people’s capabilities in responding effectively during emergencies.
• Infrastructure Resilience: Earthquake-resistant structures can be very useful in reducing the potential damage during seismic events.

Importance of earthquake preparedness: The Mulugu earthquake is an important reminder of the need for earthquake preparedness, especially in areas like Telangana, where seismic events are less common but still possible. The following preparedness strategies are essential for both individuals and local authorities:

Building safety:

• Strengthen infrastructure: Although the recent earthquake did not cause significant damage, older buildings and infrastructure in Telangana may not be adequately prepared for strong earthquakes. Strengthening the foundations of buildings is important, especially in high-risk areas.
• Earthquake-resistant buildings: New construction projects should focus on building earthquake-resistant structures, especially near fault lines or in areas that have a history of earthquakes.

Public awareness:

• Educational campaigns: Local governments and organizations should conduct educational campaigns to raise awareness about earthquake risks and steps to take during an earthquake. This includes teaching people to “drop, cover, and hold on” during an earthquake.
• Community training: Community-based training programmes on earthquake preparedness should be organised, especially in areas like Mulugu, where residents are less accustomed to seismic events.

Emergency response plans:

• Disaster management plans: Telangana’s disaster management officials should develop comprehensive emergency response plans that include provisions for earthquakes. This includes training first responders, establishing evacuation procedures, and setting up emergency shelters.
• First aid and rescue training: Local residents, especially those living in earthquake-prone areas, should be trained in first aid and basic rescue techniques to assist after an earthquake.

Seismic monitoring:

• Earthquake early warning systems: Telangana could benefit from earthquake early warning systems that provide alerts to the public before seismic events. Such systems are used in other parts of the world to help reduce damage caused by earthquakes.
• Monitoring stations: Setting up additional seismic monitoring stations across Telangana can help provide real-time data on earthquakes and help authorities assess risks more accurately.

Lessons learned from the Mulugu earthquake: The Mulugu earthquake has taught valuable lessons about the importance of earthquake preparedness, even in areas with low seismic activity. Here are some key points:

• Unpredictable events: Seismic activity can occur unexpectedly, and even low-intensity earthquakes can cause panic among people. It is very important to be prepared at all times.
• Community involvement: Preparedness is a community effort. The more people are informed about the risks and necessary actions during an earthquake, the less likely chaos will spread after an earthquake.
• Investment in infrastructure: Investing in making infrastructure resilient to seismic activity should be a priority for both the private and public sectors in Telangana.

Conclusion

The magnitude 5.3 earthquake that struck Mulugu, Telangana is a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of seismic events. Although it was not the most destructive earthquake in the region, it is the second largest earthquake recorded in the last 55 years, highlighting the need for awareness and preparedness in the region. It is important for residents, local authorities and policymakers to work together to enhance disaster resilience through infrastructure improvements, public education and emergency preparedness plans.

In the face of such natural events, being prepared is the best way to reduce potential risks to life and property. Telangana’s experience with the Mulugu earthquake underscores the importance of being vigilant, even in areas that are not typically considered high-risk zones.

FAQ – Mulugu Earthquake Second Largest in Telangana in 55 Years

Category : Blog

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