Shallow 4.4 Magnitude Earthquake Rattles Andhra-Odisha Border Region
VISAKHAPATNAM: A significant seismic event jolted the border regions of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha on Saturday night, sending residents into a panic as tremors were felt across multiple districts. The earthquake, measuring 4.4 on the Richter scale, occurred at a very shallow depth of just 5 kilometers, amplifying its impact on the surface.
Widespread Panic and Evacuations Reported
According to eyewitness accounts and official reports, the tremors were distinctly felt in parts of Alluri Sitharama Raju (ASR) district in Andhra Pradesh and Koraput district in Odisha around 11:31 PM on Saturday. The sudden shaking prompted immediate evacuations as people rushed from their homes seeking safety on open streets.
"We were watching an IPL match on a mobile phone when everything started shaking," recounted Suresh Kumar, a resident of Pedabayalu mandal in ASR district. "Those who were asleep woke up abruptly, felt the tremors for several seconds, and immediately ran outside. Some residents, fearing aftershocks, remained outdoors until 2 AM on Sunday."
Affected Areas and Official Data
The National Center for Seismology confirmed that the earthquake epicenter was located in Koraput district of Odisha, with the seismic event occurring precisely at 11:01 PM on April 4. The shallow depth of 5 kilometers contributed to the widespread perception of the tremors across the region.
Areas particularly affected included:
- Paderu mandal in ASR district
- Pedabayalu mandal in ASR district
- Munchingiputtu mandal in ASR district
- Araku Valley region in ASR district
- Several other mandals in ASR district
- Southern regions of Koraput district in Odisha
Community Response and Safety Measures
The earthquake triggered immediate community response as residents instinctively sought open spaces away from buildings and structures. The timing of the event—late Saturday night—added to the confusion and concern, with many people being awakened from sleep by the unexpected tremors.
Local authorities have been monitoring the situation closely, though no significant damage or injuries have been reported thus far. The experience has nonetheless highlighted the seismic vulnerability of the region and the importance of earthquake preparedness among local populations.
Seismologists note that while magnitude 4.4 earthquakes are considered light to moderate, their effects can be more pronounced when they occur at shallow depths, as was the case with this particular event. The border region between Andhra Pradesh and Odisha has experienced seismic activity in the past, though events of this magnitude remain relatively uncommon.
