A powerful earthquake strikes Mulugu district in Telangana, triggering panic in Hyderabad and nearby regions early Wednesday morning

A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 5.3 struck the Mulugu district of Telangana on the morning of December 4, 2024, at exactly 7:27 am, according to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS). The tremors were felt across Hyderabad and several areas of neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, causing widespread alarm among residents. Despite the magnitude, authorities have confirmed no immediate reports of fatalities or severe damage, and efforts to assess the full extent of the impact are ongoing.

The quake’s epicentre was located at coordinates 18.44° N latitude and 80.24° E longitude, at a depth of 40 km. While earthquakes are relatively rare in Telangana, the region experienced significant shaking, with tremors affecting even well-built structures. Local residents, particularly in Hyderabad, took to social media to share their experiences, with many expressing their anxiety and confusion as buildings swayed and walls creaked.

Telangana is classified as a Zone II area in India’s seismic zoning system, which is considered low-intensity compared to zones IV and V. These zones are at higher risk of stronger earthquakes due to their proximity to tectonic plate boundaries. However, the fact that a 5.3 magnitude earthquake occurred in this zone is still noteworthy, as such events are infrequent.

One user on X (formerly Twitter), known as Telangana Weatherman, noted: “For the first time in 20 years, one of the strongest earthquakes occurred in Telangana, with the epicentre located in Mulugu.” The user went on to confirm that the tremors were felt across the state, including in Hyderabad, one of the region’s most populous cities.

Despite the alarming nature of the earthquake, no major infrastructure damage or casualties have been reported thus far. Local authorities have reassured residents that they are closely monitoring the situation, with experts advising people to remain cautious and avoid staying in unsafe buildings or crowded areas until more information is available.

Seismologists attribute the tremor to underlying fault lines in the region, although the seismic activity in Telangana generally remains low compared to other parts of India. Historically, the region has seen only minor quakes, with larger events being exceedingly rare. The last significant earthquake in Telangana occurred decades ago, making this event particularly concerning for locals who are unaccustomed to such natural disturbances.

The Indian subcontinent is known for its seismic activity due to the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. India’s seismic zones are divided into five categories, with Zone V being the most vulnerable to earthquakes, often experiencing strong and destructive tremors. As many as 59% of India’s landmass falls under areas prone to seismic activity, although the intensity varies depending on the region.

Earlier in November 2024, another earthquake struck Assam’s Karbi Anglong region with a magnitude of 2.9, followed by a 5.8 magnitude earthquake in Jammu and Kashmir. While these recent events highlight the persistent seismic risks in the region, they also underscore the importance of preparedness in earthquake-prone areas, especially as urbanisation continues to increase.

As Telangana residents continue to process the early morning shock, the state’s disaster management authorities remain on high alert. Given that seismic activity is rare in the region, experts are urging the public to stay informed about aftershocks and other potential risks.

While Mulugu and surrounding areas have faced the brunt of this earthquake, the NCS continues to monitor the situation closely, with seismic data and reports being updated regularly.

The event has left the residents of Hyderabad and beyond reflecting on the importance of earthquake preparedness, and calls have been made for increased awareness about how to respond to such natural disasters. Although no major damage has been reported so far, the experience serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of earthquakes and the need for readiness in all parts of India.