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A moderate earthquake of 5.1 magnitude struck central Assam in the early hours of Monday, causing widespread tremors across the Northeast and briefly alarming residents as they were jolted awake.

The quake occurred at 4:17 AM IST, with its epicenter near Morigaon district (latitude 26.37°N, longitude 92.29°E) at a depth of 50 km, according to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS).

Areas Affected

Strong shaking was felt in Guwahati, Nagaon, Hojai, Golaghat, Jorhat, and other parts of central Assam.

Tremors also reached Meghalaya (including Shillong), Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, northern West Bengal, and even parts of Bhutan and Bangladesh.

Social media reports from Guwahati described a sharp jolt lasting several seconds, with many residents describing it as an abrupt and unsettling wake-up call on a cold winter morning.

Impact And Response

As of midday on January 5, no major structural damage or fatalities have been reported.

Local authorities in Morigaon confirmed two minor injuries: one person fell while evacuating, and another sustained cuts requiring stitches.

Emergency response teams have completed initial assessments across affected districts.

Officials have stated that infrastructure remains largely intact, and normal activities have resumed.

A possible aftershock of around 4.9 magnitude was mentioned in some reports later in the day, though it remains unconfirmed by the NCS.

Seismic Vulnerability Of The Region

Assam and the broader Northeast fall in Seismic Zone V, India’s highest-risk category, due to the ongoing collision between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates.

The Kopili fault line, close to Monday’s epicenter, is a well-known source of frequent seismic activity.

Events like this serve as reminders of the region’s history of powerful quakes, including the devastating 1897 Great Assam Earthquake, estimated at magnitude 8.0.

Safety Reminders For Residents

To stay safe during an earthquake:

Drop, Cover, and Hold On under sturdy furniture.
Avoid windows, heavy objects, and exterior walls.
If outside, move to an open area away from buildings and power lines.
After the shaking stops, check for gas leaks and prepare for potential aftershocks.

Residents can stay informed through official channels such as the NCS website or the BhooKamp app for real-time alerts.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation.

No tsunami warning was issued, as the earthquake was inland and at considerable depth.