Early Tuesday morning, two mild earthquakes were recorded in the southern Indian states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC) and the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) confirmed the seismic activity, assuring residents that there was no cause for alarm as the magnitudes were low and within normal geological fluctuations.
Vijayapura: 2.9 Magnitude Earthquake Recorded
At 7:49 a.m., KSNDMC detected a mild earthquake of magnitude 2.9 near Bhutnal Tanda in Vijayapura taluk. The epicentre was located approximately 3.6 kilometres northwest of Bhutnal Tanda, with coordinates 16.91° N latitude and 75.75° E longitude. The earthquake originated at a shallow depth of 5 kilometres beneath the surface.
Officials stated that the seismic event caused no damage. The low-intensity tremor might have been felt up to a radius of 50–60 kilometres from the epicentre. KSNDMC clarified that such minor tremors are common and do not pose a threat to life or property.
Andhra Pradesh: Tremors Felt in Alluri Sitharama Raju and Visakhapatnam
Around 4:19 a.m., a 3.7 magnitude earthquake struck Alluri Sitharama Raju district in Andhra Pradesh. The quake, recorded at a depth of 10 kilometres, had its epicentre at latitude 18.02° N and longitude 82.58° E. Tremors were also felt in parts of neighbouring Visakhapatnam district.
Officials from APSDMA confirmed that there were no casualties or property damage. Local district disaster management teams were placed on alert as a precautionary measure. The event was described as brief, lasting only a few seconds.
Authorities Assure Safety and Ongoing Monitoring
Both KSNDMC and APSDMA have reinforced their commitment to continuous monitoring of seismic activity. Residents have been urged to remain calm and follow standard safety guidelines. Authorities stated that the magnitude observed was too low to cause any structural impact and that such events are part of natural tectonic movement in the region.
Understanding Regional Seismic Zones
The Vijayapura region lies in Seismic Zone III, while the northern districts of Andhra Pradesh, including Alluri Sitharama Raju, fall under moderate seismic zones. These areas occasionally experience low-intensity tremors due to tectonic shifts, but major seismic risks remain minimal.
Experts note that with improved instrumentation and continuous monitoring, India’s early-warning systems are now better equipped to record and assess even minor geological movements.
Public Advisory: No Cause for Panic
Disaster management authorities have advised residents to stay informed but avoid spreading rumours or panic. The recorded tremors are considered routine and not linked to any significant seismic escalation. Both state agencies will continue to monitor and report any further developments.
