A moderate earthquake with a magnitude of 4.1 struck Bangladesh on Thursday, sending tremors through the region and causing concern among residents. The seismic event was recorded by the National Center for Seismology (NCS), India's premier agency for monitoring earthquake activity.
Details of the Seismic Event
The quake occurred at a precise time of 11:34 am on Thursday. According to the official data released by the NCS, the epicentre was located in Bangladesh, at a latitude of 24.09 degrees north and a longitude of 91.12 degrees east. The earthquake originated at a shallow depth of 10 kilometres beneath the Earth's surface, which can often make the tremors more perceptible to people in the affected zone.
Impact and Regional Tremors
While the earthquake's epicentre was situated within Bangladesh, its effects were not confined to the country's borders. Residents in several northeastern states of India reported feeling the ground shake. The tremors, though of moderate intensity, were significant enough to cause momentary alarm. There have been no immediate reports of casualties or substantial damage to property from either side of the border following the seismic activity.
The region encompassing Bangladesh and northeastern India is seismically active, falling within a complex tectonic zone. Earthquakes of varying magnitudes are not uncommon here, as the Indian tectonic plate continues its northward collision with the Eurasian plate. This geological process is responsible for the creation of the Himalayan range and contributes to the persistent seismic hazard in the surrounding areas.
Understanding the Seismic Risk
This recent 4.1 magnitude event serves as a reminder of the persistent geological forces at work. Seismologists consistently monitor the region due to its history of larger, more destructive quakes. While a magnitude 4.1 earthquake is considered light and typically results in minimal damage, it underscores the importance of earthquake preparedness for communities living in vulnerable zones.
Authorities and disaster management teams in both countries maintain protocols for such events. The swift reporting and data dissemination by agencies like the National Center for Seismology are crucial for assessing risk and guiding public response. Experts advise citizens in seismically active regions to be aware of safety procedures, including taking cover under sturdy furniture and staying away from windows during an earthquake.
