On the morning of October 22, 2024, a moderate earthquake of magnitude 3.8 struck Nanded district in Maharashtra at 6:52 AM IST, as reported by the National Center for Seismology (NCS). The earthquake’s epicenter was located at 19.38° North latitude and 77.46° East longitude, with a depth of 5 kilometers. Fortunately, no damage or casualties have been reported so far, and local authorities have reassured residents that the situation is under control.
Although this region of Maharashtra is not known for frequent seismic activity, the tremors were felt mildly in and around Nanded, raising initial concerns among citizens. However, the Nanded Disaster Management team confirmed that no infrastructure damage has occurred, and all essential services remain fully operational. The district administration remains on alert, and teams have been mobilized to ensure the safety of residents and assess any potential damage to public property.
Seismologists have noted that while a 3.8 magnitude earthquake is moderate in intensity, it serves as a reminder that even regions not typically prone to earthquakes should not overlook preparedness. Dr. Rajendra Gavit, a prominent geologist, remarked, “Maharashtra may not be a major earthquake-prone zone like regions of North India, but events like these indicate the importance of preparedness, even in areas where seismic activity is uncommon. It is crucial that we educate citizens about safety measures and improve our disaster management systems.”
The National Center for Seismology took to social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) to inform the public about the earthquake shortly after it occurred. The NCS posted, “EQ of M: 3.8, On: 22/10/2024 06:52:40 IST, Lat: 19.38 N, Long: 77.46 E, Depth: 5 Km, Location: Nanded, Maharashtra.” This prompt update helped calm fears among residents who had experienced the tremors.
Maharashtra officials have also emphasized the need to develop better infrastructure and early warning systems, particularly in districts like Nanded, which have limited experience dealing with such natural events. The absence of casualties or significant damage in this case highlights the importance of maintaining calm and following safety protocols during such occurrences.
In the wake of this earthquake, local authorities continue to monitor the situation, assuring residents that there is no cause for further concern.
