Mild Earthquake of 3.2 Magnitude Rattles Assam’s Jorhat; Tremors Felt Across Upper Assam

GUWAHATI: A mild earthquake measuring 3.2 on the Richter scale jolted parts of Upper Assam on Thursday afternoon, causing brief panic among residents. According to the National Center for Seismology (NCS), the tremors were recorded at 4:15 PM (IST) on April 9, 2026, with the epicenter located in the Jorhat district.

The quake originated at a latitude of 26.689°N and a longitude of 94.304°E. The NCS confirmed that the seismic event occurred at a depth of 35 km below the earth’s surface. While the magnitude was relatively low, the depth ensured that the vibrations were felt across a wide radius, including neighboring districts like Majuli and parts of Nagaland.

Though the earthquake was classified as “mild,” the physical sensation of the ground shaking led to immediate anxiety in a region historically prone to major seismic events. In Jorhat town and surrounding areas, people were seen rushing out of residential buildings and offices into open spaces as a precautionary measure.

Fortunately, there have been no reports of casualties or significant structural damage to property so far. Local administration officials in Jorhat stated that they are monitoring the situation, but no emergency calls regarding building collapses or injuries were received in the hours following the tremors.

This incident follows a string of minor tremors in the Northeast over the last 48 hours. Earlier on the same day (April 9), separate quakes of magnitude 3.2 were also recorded in the Cachar and Sribhumi districts of Assam. Furthermore, a 4.8 magnitude quake had struck Hailakandi district earlier in the week on April 7.

Geologically, Assam and the entire Northeast region fall under Seismic Zone V, making it one of the most earthquake-prone areas in the world. The region sits at the junction of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, where constant subduction and crustal movements lead to frequent energy releases.

Authorities have urged citizens to remain calm but vigilant. The NCS recommends using the official ‘BhooKamp’ mobile app for real-time updates and following standard safety protocols:

Drop, Cover, and Hold On during the shaking. Stay away from glass windows, heavy furniture, and unstable structures. Avoid using elevators during or immediately after an earthquake.