A minor earthquake with a magnitude of 3.6 struck the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, India, on October 27, 2023, at 10:15:37 IST. The quake’s epicenter was located at latitude 27.32 and longitude 92.01, with a focal depth of 5 kilometers. The seismic event occurred 31 kilometers southeast of Tawang, a town in the Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh.
While this earthquake is classified as minor and is unlikely to cause significant damage, it serves as a timely reminder of the seismic activity that characterizes the Himalayan region, which includes Arunachal Pradesh.
Magnitude 3.6 – A Minor Tremor
The earthquake’s magnitude is reported at 3.6 on the Richter scale. While this is considered a minor event, it is still capable of being felt by people in the vicinity, particularly in the immediate area surrounding the epicenter. Such tremors may cause slight shaking of buildings and objects but are generally not associated with major structural damage.
Depth and Location
The earthquake’s depth, which is the distance from the Earth’s surface to the point where the quake originated, is estimated to be 5 kilometers. This relatively shallow depth is characteristic of earthquakes in the region and can contribute to the intensity of shaking felt at the surface.
The epicenter of the earthquake was pinpointed at a latitude of 27.32 and a longitude of 92.01, making it 31 kilometers to the southeast of Tawang. Tawang is a picturesque town in the northeastern part of India, known for its scenic beauty and cultural significance. The area is part of the seismically active Himalayan region, which is prone to tectonic movements.
The Seismic Landscape of Arunachal Pradesh
Arunachal Pradesh, situated in the northeastern part of India, is one of the states that frequently experiences seismic activity. Its proximity to the tectonic plate boundaries, including the Indian and Eurasian plates, makes it susceptible to earthquakes. These natural events are a result of the constant tectonic forces at play in the region.
Earthquake preparedness and building infrastructure that can withstand seismic activity are critical in such areas to mitigate potential damage and protect the safety of the local population.