By: Bharat Daily Samachar Date: 14 Sep,2025

Strong 5.8 Magnitude Earthquake Rattles Assam’s Guwahati; Tremors Felt in North Bengal and Bhutan

Guwahati, the largest city in Assam, was jolted on Saturday morning after a powerful earthquake measuring 5.8 on the Richter scale struck the region. The tremors, which lasted for several seconds, sent people rushing out of homes, offices, and marketplaces in panic. Reports confirmed that the quake’s impact was not limited to Assam; strong tremors were also felt in parts of North Bengal and Bhutan, underlining the seismic vulnerability of the entire northeastern belt of India.

A Sudden Shake That Stunned Residents

The earthquake struck around mid-morning when Guwahati was bustling with weekend activity. Residents reported a loud rumbling sound followed by intense vibrations that shook buildings, rattled windows, and even caused ceiling fans and furniture to sway. Many people, fearing structural damage, ran into open areas for safety.

“I was working from home when suddenly my chair started shaking. At first, I thought it was just dizziness, but within seconds the whole room was trembling. My family and I immediately rushed downstairs,” said Anupam Das, a resident of Dispur.

Impact Across Assam, Bengal, and Bhutan

While Guwahati bore the brunt of the tremors, the quake’s reach extended to neighboring states and countries. Siliguri and Jalpaiguri in North Bengal reported noticeable shaking, prompting temporary evacuation of schools, malls, and offices. Bhutan too confirmed that the tremors were felt in several districts, though no major damage has been reported so far.

Seismologists noted that the quake’s epicenter was located near the Assam–Bhutan border region, an area known for high seismic activity. The depth of the quake helped reduce widespread destruction, but the shaking was strong enough to alarm millions across the region.

No Major Casualties, But High Alert Declared

Authorities in Assam have so far not reported any fatalities or major injuries linked to the quake. However, minor cracks have been noticed in older buildings, boundary walls, and some stretches of road in and around Guwahati. Power outages were reported in certain neighborhoods immediately after the quake, though most were restored within an hour.

Disaster management teams have been deployed to assess structural safety and check for aftershocks. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has also been kept on standby in case the situation worsens. Assam’s Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma tweeted urging people to stay calm but alert, assuring that the government is “closely monitoring the situation.”

Assam’s Seismic History

This earthquake is yet another reminder of the fragile geography of Northeast India. The region falls under Seismic Zone V, the highest earthquake risk category in the country. Guwahati and other parts of Assam have historically experienced devastating earthquakes.

The most destructive one occurred in 1950, known as the Assam–Tibet earthquake, which measured a staggering 8.6 magnitude and remains one of the strongest quakes recorded globally. That disaster caused widespread destruction and altered the course of the Brahmaputra River in places.

Since then, the region has continued to face moderate tremors frequently, raising concerns about preparedness and infrastructure resilience.

Panic and Precaution Among Residents

The tremors left many residents shaken both physically and mentally. Several schools and colleges in Guwahati announced early closures for the day as a precautionary measure. Offices too conducted quick evacuation drills, reminding employees of safety measures during such natural disasters.

Markets witnessed chaos as shopkeepers and customers ran outdoors, leaving behind goods and cash registers. Videos shared on social media showed people standing in open fields, streets, and parking lots, waiting until they felt safe to return indoors.

Health officials have also urged people to remain alert, especially the elderly and those with medical conditions, as sudden shocks can trigger anxiety, heart issues, and stress-related health problems.

Experts Warn of Aftershocks

Seismologists have cautioned that aftershocks cannot be ruled out in the coming hours and days. Aftershocks are smaller tremors that follow a major quake, often causing additional damage to weakened structures. Residents have been advised to check for gas leaks, electrical short circuits, and structural cracks in their homes.

“People in the Northeast must remain prepared. Given the active fault lines in this region, such quakes are not uncommon, and preparedness is the key,” said Dr. S. Mukherjee, a senior geologist at the Indian Institute of Geosciences.

What This Means for India’s Disaster Preparedness

The Guwahati earthquake once again highlights the urgent need for earthquake-resilient infrastructure in India’s Northeast. Experts have long warned that rapid urbanization in Guwahati and other towns, often without adherence to proper building codes, increases the risk of large-scale damage during major quakes.

While government agencies regularly conduct mock drills, critics argue that awareness at the community level remains low. The incident has reignited discussions about stricter building laws, disaster-ready urban planning, and better coordination between states during emergencies.

Social Media Buzz

Within minutes of the tremors, hashtags like #AssamEarthquake, #GuwahatiTremors, and #EarthquakeInNortheast began trending on X (formerly Twitter). Residents posted first-hand accounts, pictures of cracked walls, and videos of ceiling fans swaying violently. Some even expressed concern about their pets and livestock, which reportedly panicked during the quake.

Interestingly, many users also shared safety tips on how to respond during earthquakes, turning social media into a platform for both news and awareness.

A Wake-Up Call

Though Saturday’s earthquake did not cause widespread destruction, it has served as a wake-up call for Assam, North Bengal, and Bhutan. With the region’s high seismic vulnerability, experts stress that it is not a question of “if” but “when” a stronger quake may strike.

For now, Guwahatians are breathing a sigh of relief that the tremors passed without major tragedy. But the quake has rekindled a conversation that residents of the Northeast know all too well: the importance of preparedness, resilience, and staying alert in the face of nature’s unpredictability.