A mild earthquake measuring 3.7 on the Richter scale shook Tripura’s Unakoti district on Monday evening, sparking momentary panic among residents. Fortunately, no casualties or property damage were reported, officials confirmed.
According to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS), the tremor was recorded at 8:27 pm IST with its epicentre located at latitude 24.31°N and longitude 91.99°E in Unakoti. The quake struck at a shallow depth of 10 kilometres, making the vibrations perceptible across Unakoti and nearby regions.
Residents Rush Outdoors in Panic
Although categorised as a mild tremor, the earthquake caused brief alarm in several localities. Many residents were seen rushing outdoors as the ground shook for a few seconds. Eyewitnesses reported minor vibrations in buildings and household items, but no visible structural damage occurred.
Local authorities quickly stepped in to calm the situation. “There is no report of loss of life or property. People are requested not to panic and to follow standard safety measures during such incidents,” said an official from the district administration.
Tripura Lies in Seismically Active Zone
Seismologists have once again highlighted that Tripura, along with much of the North East, falls under one of the most seismically active zones in India. The region frequently experiences low to moderate intensity earthquakes due to its geological position near active fault lines.
Experts stressed the importance of public awareness and preparedness. “Even small tremors serve as a reminder that people must stay alert and adopt earthquake safety practices. Preparedness reduces risks during major seismic events,” explained a senior geologist familiar with the region.
Authorities Urge Preparedness
The state administration has urged citizens to remain cautious and avoid spreading misinformation. People have been advised to rely only on official updates from the National Centre for Seismology.
To help residents stay informed, the government recommended checking real-time earthquake alerts through the riseq.seismo.gov.in portal and the BhooKamp mobile application, both of which provide timely notifications and safety guidelines.
Basic safety tips include:
- Moving outdoors safely during tremors.
- Staying away from glass windows and unstable structures.
- Keeping an emergency kit and torch handy.
- Avoiding elevators during earthquakes.
No Major Impact, But Reminder of Risks
While the earthquake caused no tangible damage, it served as a reminder of the region’s vulnerability to seismic activity. Local communities are being encouraged to conduct mock drills, especially in schools and offices, to strengthen preparedness.
For now, the situation in Unakoti remains normal, with daily life resuming quickly after the brief tremor. Authorities, however, continue to monitor seismic activity in the area to ensure public safety.
