Nicobar island was struck by a 5.0 magnitude earthquake at around 5:07 am on March 6. The National Center for Seismology(NCS) announced that India and Indonesia felt the tremors. The earthquake showing 5.0 on the Richter scale shook 208 km from Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ Perka. Read on to know more about this earthquake.
Nicobar Hit By 5.0 Magnitude Earthquake
In the early hours of Jan 5, Uttarkashi faced three back-to-back earthquakes. After 24 hours, on March 6, early morning, a 5.0 magnitude earthquake hit Nicobar island. NCS announced in a tweet that the earthquake hit a 10 km depth. Many residents of the island woke up when kitchen utensils started falling off the ground. They also heard window panes and doors rattling, this left them with no choice but to run out of their homes in utter panic.
Earthquake of Magnitude:5.0, Occurred on 06-03-2023, 05:07:16 IST, Lat: 7.97 & Long: 91.65, Depth: 10 Km ,Location: Nicobar islands region, India for more information Download the BhooKamp App https://t.co/8ZXomEZsdk@Ravi_MoES @Dr_Mishra1966 @ndmaindia @Indiametdept pic.twitter.com/vy0KxJKDsE
— National Center for Seismology (@NCS_Earthquake) March 6, 2023
Currently, there are no reports of loss of lives or property. There are no reports of injuries either. Do note that the Andaman and Nicobar islands are really prone to natural disasters like earthquakes. This is due to its geological location. Nestled in the Himalayan collision zone which is the highest seismic-hazard zone, earthquakes are not a rarity in the region.
Also Read: A 6.8 Magnitude Earthquake Hit Near Murghob In Tajikistan
This Region Is Prone To Natural Disasters
Unfortunately, Andaman and Nicobar islands faced 442 earthquakes with a magnitude of 4.0 to 6.6 on the Richter scale from the centre of the island to a 150 km radius, between 2010 to 2022. So, there has been an alarming average of 42 earthquakes per year in the region. In January this year, a 4.9 magnitude earthquake jolted the region near the Andaman Sea. Accoridng to the NCS this earthquake struck at a depth of 77km. Exactly last time this year, 22 earthquakes were recorded in just 24 hours. The magnitudes of these earthquakes sat in the range between 3.8 to 5.0 on the Richter scale.
Also Read: Japan’s Hokkaido Hit By A 6.1 Magnitude Earthquake, Tsunamis Not Expected
This happens in India a month after the devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit Turkey and Syria. With thousands of lives lost, property destroyed and survivors on the streets, Turkey and Syria are in shambles. Yet, all hope is not lost. Humanitarian aid continues to pour into the regions.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva