Earthquake of magnitude 5.7 shakes Assam, no casualties reported so far

A moderate earthquake with an estimated magnitude of 5.9 jolted parts of Northeast India and neighboring countries on Sunday, with the epicenter located 16 kilometers from Dhekiajuli in Assam. The tremors were felt at 4:41 pm and rippled across Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, Bhutan, and China.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed the epicentre near Dhekiajuli, with strong tremors shaking buildings in Guwahati and nearby towns. Residents and officials reported brief but significant shaking, though there were no immediate signs of casualties or major structural damage. Authorities are monitoring the situation.

Chief Minister Himanta Sarma said "there has been no report of any major damage or loss of life" and that his administration is "actively monitoring the situation".

Assam ex-chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal, who is now Union Minister for Ports, urged people to stay alert. 

"Major earthquake in Assam. My prayers for everyone's safety and well-being. Urge all to stay alert!" Mr Sarbananda Sonowal posted on X.

Tremors were felt in Guwahati, where many residents rushed out of their homes in panic.

Earthquakes are frequent in Assam, which lies in one of India’s most seismically active regions.

The NCS categorises the area as seismically 'very active', associated with Hazard zone V with collisional tectonics where the Indian plate subducts beneath the Eurasian Plate.