Earthquake activity continues to rattle the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. In the early hours of Monday, at 3:31 am, a fresh tremor struck the Nicobar Islands region, the National Centre for Seismology (NCS)
said. The earthquake measured 4.6 on the Richter scale and originated at a shallow depth of 10 kilometres beneath the Earth’s surface.
The epicentre was located around 256 kilometres north-east of Campbell Bay. While the quake was moderate in magnitude, its relatively shallow depth makes it a development worth close attention, as such tremors can transmit stronger vibrations to the surface.
Here’s Why This Matters
Even if an earthquake is not very strong, a shallow depth of just 10 kilometres can make it more impactful. Shallow earthquakes tend to transmit seismic waves more intensely to the surface, increasing the potential for damage.
Fortunately, in this case, no major damage or loss of life has been reported. As a result, authorities did not issue any tsunami warning, and there is no immediate cause for concern.
The NCS also clarified that since the epicentre was located far from inhabited islands and the magnitude remained low, the tremor did not result in any significant damage
Why do earthquakes occur so frequently in this region?
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands fall under Seismic Zone V on India’s seismic zone map—the country’s most high-risk zone.
In fact, this region is among the most seismically active areas in the world. Because of this intense tectonic activity, it is extremely difficult to predict when earthquakes will strike or how severe their impact might be.
The Andaman region has previously witnessed one of the most powerful earthquakes in recorded history. On December 26, 2004, a massive quake measuring between 9.1 and 9.3 on the Richter scale struck the area, triggering a devastating tsunami that caused large-scale loss of life and extensive property damage across several countries.
This history is why even moderate earthquakes in the Andaman region lead to alerts in coastal states, including Andhra Pradesh and other coastal areas.
Coastal terrain allows seismic waves to travel more efficiently, meaning the impact of such tremors can be felt far beyond the epicentre. However, officials have clarified that there is no need for panic at present.
Is This Earthquake Dangerous For Andra Pradesh?
Andhra Pradesh’s long coastline and relatively fragile coastal geology mean seismic waves generated in the Andaman–Nicobar region can travel efficiently through the Earth’s crust.
An earthquake occurring at a depth of 10 kilometres is generally considered potentially dangerous. Shallow earthquakes are often more hazardous than deeper ones because seismic waves reach the surface faster and with greater intensity, leading to stronger ground shaking. This increases the risk of structural damage and casualties.
While no alert has been issued for Andhra Pradesh in this instance, authorities continue to monitor such developments closely due to the region’s vulnerability to secondary impacts from major seismic events.
