Mumbai: Two tremors, including a stronger 4.5-magnitude jolt, rattled parts of Maharashtra’s Hingoli district within a span of about two hours on Saturday morning, triggering panic among residents and renewing concerns over recurring seismic activity in the region.
According to the district disaster management authorities, the first tremor, measuring 3.3 magnitude, was recorded at around 7.46 am. Its epicentre was located at a depth of approximately 7 km near Gadhala village in Aundha Nagnath tehsil.
The initial tremor was accompanied by a rumbling sound, which was noticed by residents in several villages. While the first jolt caused some concern, the situation became more alarming about two hours later when a significantly stronger 4.5-magnitude tremor struck the area.
The second tremor was felt across several parts of Hingoli district, with residents reporting sudden shaking and a rumbling sound. Villagers in Pimpaldari and adjoining areas of Aundha Nagnath tehsil said the rumbling continued for a few minutes before the second tremor was felt.
The back-to-back seismic activity sent residents into a state of panic, with many people stepping out of their homes as a precaution. However, the district administration said there were no reports of casualties or property damage following Saturday’s tremors.
Seismic activity raises concern
Saturday’s tremors have once again drawn attention to the recurring seismic activity being reported in parts of Hingoli for several years.
The region has experienced tremors at intervals for nearly six years, making seismic activity a recurring concern for residents. The latest incidents have added to apprehension among villagers, particularly in areas that have experienced stronger tremors in the past.
The adjoining Pangra Shinde village had also reported a similar rumbling sound on October 1, adding to concerns about continuing underground activity in the region.
The area witnessed stronger tremors earlier this year as well. On July 9 and July 11, earthquakes measuring 4.6 and 3.5 magnitude, respectively, were recorded in the region. The July tremors were reportedly strong enough to cause cracks in some houses.
Administration urges people to remain alert
With the latest tremors being felt across several locations, the district administration has urged residents not to panic but to remain alert.
Officials are monitoring the situation and assessing whether the latest seismic activity has caused any structural damage. Residents have also been advised to follow instructions issued by the authorities and avoid spreading unverified information that could create unnecessary fear.
The occurrence of two tremors in quick succession, coupled with the region’s history of intermittent seismic activity, has once again brought the seismic vulnerability of parts of Hingoli into focus.
