Hyderabad: The earthquake that struck Telangana on Wednesday morning marked only the second instance of seismic activity exceeding magnitude 5 on the Richter Scale in the region over the past 55 years. According to the National Center for Seismology, the 5.3-magnitude tremor occurred at 7:27 a.m., with its epicenter in Medaram, located in the Mulugu district of Telangana.

Previously, the region experienced a 5.7-magnitude earthquake on April 13, 1969, centered near Bhadrachalam. Both seismic events are linked to the Godavari Rift Valley, a known fault zone, according to scientists.

The tremors on Wednesday were felt across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, as well as parts of Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra, including Hyderabad and its neighboring districts. The quake, originating 40 kilometers beneath the surface, impacted an area of approximately 225 kilometers. Fortunately, no casualties or property damage were reported.

Scientists at the CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) noted the potential for mild aftershocks due to the earthquake’s moderate intensity. NGRI Director Prakash Kumar assured residents that there was no need for alarm, as the quake fell within the "moderate" category.

Seismologists explained that the earthquake, like the 1969 Bhadrachalam event, is attributed to the Godavari fault zone, characterized by multiple fractures and faults along the Godavari Basin. As Telangana is classified under Seismic Zone II, a low-intensity seismic zone, experts emphasized that panic is unwarranted.

Retired NGRI chief scientist D. Srinagesh highlighted the quake as a wake-up call for the Telugu states, urging municipalities to ensure that building designs align with the seismic requirements of the region. He also stressed the importance of disaster preparedness, recommending that disaster management authorities enforce structural safety measures to minimize potential damage and casualties.

Srinagesh pointed out that inadequate earthquake-resistant structures have historically resulted in devastating losses, citing the Killari earthquake of 1993, which caused significant casualties due to poorly constructed buildings. In contrast, a similarly intense earthquake in San Francisco, California, claimed only 24 lives, thanks to stricter adherence to earthquake-resistant construction standards. He called for a proactive approach to enhancing safety against geophysical hazards, which have claimed tens of thousands of lives in India since 1982.