A minor earthquake of 3.2 magnitude on the Richter scale occurred in the Kutch region of Gujarat on Wednesday morning, ISR informed. The tremor, recorded at 10:24 am, its origin marked 23 kms North-North-East (NNE) of Bhachau as per Gandhinagar-based Indian Seismicity Recorded (ISR).
So fortunately, there were no losses or damages to lives, buildings, or any other physical property, according to the district authorities. This earthquake comes after a string of similar incidences in the area in the last thirty days. However, Kutch was hit by four quakes measuring more than 3 on the Richter scale – a similar 3.2-magnitude quake that took place three days earlier with Bhachau as epicentre. Consequently, the district experienced a 3.7-Richeter scale earthquake on December 23, as well as a 3.2-Richeter scale earthquake on December 7.
Tremors are not infrequent in Kutch due to the extremely high seismicity in the region. Seismic activities were also registered during this period. ISR revealed an earthquake of 4.0 scale in the Kutch region on November 18 last year, while a slightly stronger earthquake of 4.2 scale in Patan north Gujarat on November 15.
Seven of the nine severe earthquake events recorded in the last 200 years occurred in Gujarat. The earthquake that struck Kutch on 26th January 2001 was one of the worst to hit India. It had a 7.7 on the Richter scale, and it ranks third in size and second in intensity of the largest or biggest earthquake to hit China in the last 200 years. The tragedy claimed the lives of nearly 13,800 people and left 1,67,000 injured; most of the population in many towns and villages was forced to live in the open.
The recent earth movements suggest the fact that the region can be quite sensitive to earthquakes and, therefore, to reduce any likely impacts, call for disaster preparedness and disaster management measures plan.
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