Andaman :
A 5.4-magnitude earthquake hit the Andaman Sea region on Sunday, sending brief tremors across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. According to the National Center for Seismology (NCS), the quake occurred at around 12:06 pm IST at a depth of approximately 90 kilometers.
While some residents in Port Blair and nearby islands reported feeling a mild shaking, no injuries or property damage have been recorded so far. Local authorities confirmed that there was no tsunami threat and no need for evacuation.
Tectonic Activity in a Sensitive Zone
The Andaman and Nicobar region sits on a volatile tectonic boundary where the Indian and Burmese plates converge – part of the Sunda subduction zone. This area is known for frequent low- to medium-intensity quakes.
Experts explain that Sunday’s event, though mild, is a reminder of the region’s geological sensitivity. “These quakes release stress along fault lines and are typically harmless,” said Dr. P. K. Kumar, a seismologist at NCS. “But they’re also signals that continuous monitoring is essential.”
Preparedness and Public Response
The local disaster-management teams immediately checked vulnerable zones and infrastructure, including coastal jetties and power stations. The administration urged citizens to remain calm and follow standard safety protocols.
Residents reported tremors lasting 10–12 seconds, mostly indoors. “It felt like a gentle sway,” said Shalini Das, a teacher from Port Blair. “We’ve learned to live with it – it happens every few months.”
Why the Andaman Sea Matters
Beyond its idyllic beaches, the Andaman Sea holds strategic and economic importance for India. It’s home to several naval bases and key shipping routes linking the Indian Ocean to Southeast Asia.
Earthquakes here can potentially affect undersea communications cables, ports, and defense infrastructure, which is why India’s disaster agencies maintain constant seismic surveillance.
Lessons from 2004 and Preparedness Today
The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, triggered by a 9.1-magnitude quake near Sumatra, remains fresh in memory. Since then, India has heavily invested in the Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre (ITEWC), equipped with satellite-based ocean buoys and seismic sensors.
This time, those systems worked flawlessly. Alerts were issued and verified within minutes, confirming there was no risk of a tsunami or significant aftershocks.
