Assam Earthquake 2026, Magnitude, Epicenter and Affected Areas

An earthquake in Assam today once again reminded people about the region’s high seismic risk. The Assam earthquake 2026, recorded in the early hours of January 5, caused widespread tremors across the Northeast. Though moderate in strength, the event attracted attention due to Assam’s history of frequent earthquakes. Understanding this Assam earthquake news helps explain why seismic activity is common in this region.

Assam Earthquake?

This note focuses on the recent seismic event in Assam on January 5, 2026. An earthquake in Assam today caused tremors across the region. The event highlights the geological vulnerability of Northeast India. Understanding this Assam earthquake 2026 helps comprehend regional seismicity.

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Detailed Notes of Assam Earthquake

The recent Assam earthquake was a significant geological event for the region. Details confirm its moderate strength and wide impact. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation for any further activity.

Assam Earthquake Latest Update

The National Centre for Seismology (NCS) reported key facts.

• Date and Time: January 5, 2026, at 04:17:40 IST.
• Magnitude: The Assam earthquake magnitude was 5.1 on the Richter scale.
• Epicenter: The Assam earthquake epicenter was in Morigaon, Assam. Its coordinates were 26.37°N latitude and 92.29°E longitude.
• Depth: The earthquake occurred at a depth of 50 km.
• Tremors Felt: Assam earthquake tremors felt across many districts of Assam. These included Kamrup Metropolitan, Nagaon, and Lakhimpur. Also, Meghalaya felt the jolt, specifically Shillong. Tremors also reached central-western Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, and West Bengal. Neighboring countries like Bhutan, China, and Bangladesh also experienced shaking.
• Damage Report: No immediate reports of casualties or major Assam earthquake damage report surfaced.

Seismic Zone of Assam

Northeast India is naturally prone to seismic activity.

• High Seismic Zone: The northeastern region, including Assam, falls into a high seismic zone.
• Frequent Earthquakes: This makes frequent earthquakes in Assam a common occurrence.
• Geological Factors: The constant movement of tectonic plates drives this high seismic activity. The seismic zone of Assam is one of the most active globally.

Safety Measures

Staying prepared is crucial in earthquake-prone areas.

• Alertness: Residents in affected areas should stay alert for aftershocks.
• Precautions: Follow all safety guidelines during and after an earthquake.

Assam Earthquake Affected Areas

The Assam earthquake affected areas included a wide belt across the state. Tremors were reported from:

Guwahati, Morigaon, Nagaon, Kampur, Tezpur, Rangapara, Jamugurihat, Kaliabor, Balipara, Rangia, Dhekiajuli, Biswanath, Juria, Doboka, Kharupetia, Narayanpur, Kaziranga, Udalguri, Kalaigaon, and Dimakuchi.

Strong tremors were also felt in Kaziranga National Park and nearby regions. Beyond Assam, parts of Meghalaya and other Northeastern states also experienced shaking.

Assam Earthquake and Tectonic Plates

The underlying geology explains Assam earthquake causes.

• Earth’s Plates: The Earth’s outermost layer consists of large tectonic plates.
• Plate Collision: The Indian Plate is moving northwards. It is colliding with the Eurasian Plate.
• Stress Buildup: This collision creates immense stress along the plate boundaries.
• Energy Release: When this stress surpasses rock strength, energy releases suddenly. This results in an earthquake.
• Northeast Location: Northeast India, positioned near this active collision zone, experiences this energy release frequently. This explains why Assam earthquake and tectonic plates are closely linked.

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Richter Scale

Earthquakes are measured using standard scales.

• Measurement: The Richter scale quantifies an earthquake’s magnitude.
• Scale Type: It is a logarithmic scale. Each whole number increase represents a tenfold increase in measured wave amplitude.
• Impact: A magnitude 5.1 earthquake is considered moderate. It can cause slight to moderate damage. The Assam earthquake intensity was recorded at this level.

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