A 4.3 magnitude Assam earthquake struck Nagaon district in the early hours of August 18, 2025, making it the seventh tremor in the state this month and the third specifically in Nagaon. Fortunately, no injuries or property damage have been reported, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The quake, which occurred at 5:52 AM IST, originated near Raha in Nagaon at a depth of 10 kilometers. This marks yet another seismic incident in the Assam earthquake 2025 series that continues to alarm residents and authorities.
A Wake-Up Call: Third Earthquake in Nagaon in August Alone
The tremor occurred at approximately 5:52 AM IST, with its epicenter located near Raha, a town in Nagaon district, at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers. According to IMD, the seismic activity was felt across neighboring areas including Morigaon and parts of Tezpur.
Residents reported feeling moderate shaking that lasted a few seconds, prompting many to evacuate their homes out of fear. Though no official damage has been confirmed, local disaster response teams have been mobilized as a precaution.
“We’ve experienced three earthquakes in just 18 days. It’s concerning—even if there’s no damage yet,” said Anuradha Deka, a school teacher in Nagaon town. “We need more awareness and better preparedness.”
Why Is Assam Experiencing Frequent Earthquakes?
Assam sits in the highly seismically active Eastern Himalayan zone, specifically in Zone V, which is the most earthquake-prone classification in India. The region lies on the Indian-Eurasian tectonic plate boundary, a fault line that frequently causes geological disturbances.
Previous Tremors This Month
- August 2 – 3.8 magnitude near Sonitpur
- August 5 – 4.1 magnitude in Nagaon
- August 8 – 3.9 magnitude in Tinsukia
- August 11 – 4.0 magnitude in Nagaon
- August 13 – 4.2 magnitude in Karbi Anglong
- August 16 – 3.7 magnitude near Silchar
With this latest incident on August 18, Assam has now logged seven seismic events in 18 days—a concerning trend that experts say needs urgent monitoring and policy action.
Safety First: What You Should Do During an Earthquake
While this recent tremor didn’t result in damage, experts warn residents not to become complacent. Earthquake preparedness can mean the difference between life and death.
Earthquake Safety Tips:
- Drop, Cover, and Hold On during the shaking.
- Stay away from windows and exterior walls.
- If outdoors, move to an open space—away from buildings and power lines.
- Keep an emergency kit with essentials like water, torchlight, first aid, and documents.
- Educate family members, especially children, about earthquake safety.
What Are Authorities Doing?
The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) is currently assessing seismic risks and preparing revised disaster readiness protocols. They are also coordinating with the Northeast Institute of Science and Technology (NEIST) for a geotechnical study in Nagaon and surrounding areas.
Additionally, ASDMA has advised schools and public institutions to conduct earthquake drills at least once a quarter.
You can follow live updates from the ASDMA on their official website.
Could a Bigger Earthquake Be Coming?
While most earthquakes in Assam are moderate in intensity, the risk of a high-magnitude event cannot be ruled out, experts warn. According to geologist Dr. P. Sharma of Gauhati University:
“Repeated low-magnitude quakes may either relieve tectonic pressure or signal an impending larger seismic event. Continued surveillance is crucial.”
The Indian government has also recently discussed strengthening regional infrastructure to ensure it is earthquake-resistant, especially in schools, hospitals, and residential zones.
Stay Informed and Prepared
As seismic activity in Assam continues, awareness and preparedness are your best lines of defense. While today’s earthquake in Nagaon didn’t cause damage, it’s a critical reminder of the region’s vulnerability.
READ MORE: Tripura BJP expels Khayerpur leader for sharing ‘personal videos’ online