Gujarat’s Kutch Experiences 4.4 Magnitude Earthquake in the Early Hours

Post by : Mina Rahman

An earthquake registered at a magnitude of 4.4 shook Gujarat's Kutch district early Friday morning, prompting mild alarm among residents who were largely still asleep. The quake struck at around 4:30 am, as per reports from the National Centre for Seismology.

Emanating from a depth of 10 kilometres, the epicentre was pinpointed in the Kachchh region, located at 23.65 degrees north latitude and 70.23 degrees east longitude. Despite being shallow, the tremors were felt across various parts of the district, although they were not intense.

Residents in both towns and villages reported that they felt their doors and windows shake for a brief period. Some individuals stepped outside for safety, while others were awakened by the tremors. Though there was initial apprehension, normalcy returned shortly thereafter.

In the immediate aftermath, local officials and disaster response teams surveyed the area, confirming no casualties or structural damage. Although emergency services were on alert, no immediate rescue efforts were required.

Kutch is known for its seismic activity and has a record of significant earthquakes, such as the devastating Bhuj quake in 2001. Consequently, even minor tremors are monitored closely by both officials and seismic experts. Scientists attribute such earthquakes to the geological movements beneath the Earth’s surface.

Earlier this year, Kutch experienced another tremor of 4.3 in magnitude during the night, originating from a depth of about 20 kilometres, which also resulted in no significant damage.

Officials reiterated the importance of remaining calm during seismic events and adhering to safety guidelines, such as avoiding weak structures and refraining from using elevators during quakes. They emphasized the necessity of being prepared in earthquake-prone areas and relying solely on official updates.

Experts continue to monitor the region vigilantly for further seismic activity.