Assam earthquake Sunday jolted Udalguri district with a 5.8 magnitude tremor at a shallow depth. Tremors were widely felt across Guwahati, North Bengal, and Bhutan, causing panic though so far no major damage or casualties have been reported. On Sunday afternoon, a powerful Assam earthquake Sunday startled millions across northeast India. The quake, measuring 5.8 magnitude, had its epicenter in Udalguri district at a shallow depth of 5 km, according to the National Center for Seismology. Though no major destruction has been reported so far, the tremor served as a sharp reminder of the seismic risks that Assam and its neighbouring states face.
Epicenter and timing
The quake struck around 4:41 PM on September 14, 2025. Its shallow depth made the tremors feel more intense, sending people in cities like Guwahati rushing outdoors in panic. Areas of North Bengal and Bhutan also reported strong vibrations, showing the wide reach of the Assam earthquake Sunday.
Public reaction and immediate response
In Guwahati, shopping malls, offices, and homes were quickly evacuated. Social media was flooded with images and videos of people standing on the streets, anxiously waiting for aftershocks to pass. At an Assam hospital, a viral video showed nurses protecting newborn babies during the quake — highlighting the sudden fear it caused.
Assam’s Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma assured the public that the government was monitoring the situation closely. Disaster management teams were placed on alert, and authorities confirmed that no casualties or major infrastructure damage had been reported as of Sunday evening.
Aftershocks and safety concerns
Several aftershocks were felt shortly after the main tremor, keeping residents on edge. Experts explain that aftershocks are common following moderate earthquakes, especially in a tectonically active region like the northeast. People were advised not to re-enter cracked or unsafe buildings until given clearance.
Why Assam is earthquake-prone
The northeast lies in Seismic Zone V, the most earthquake-prone category in India. This vulnerability is due to the collision of the Indian Plate and Eurasian Plate, which creates immense tectonic stress. While Sunday’s Assam earthquake measured moderate in strength, its shallow depth amplified the shaking, a characteristic that makes even medium quakes potentially dangerous.
Past events, such as the 1950 Assam–Tibet earthquake (magnitude 8.6), underline the region’s high seismic risk. This latest tremor, though far less severe, is a reminder that preparedness and awareness remain crucial.
Precautionary steps for residents
Authorities and experts recommend the following safety measures:
-
Stay alert for aftershocks — Keep essential supplies ready and avoid unstable structures.
-
Follow earthquake safety drills — “Drop, Cover, Hold” is the safest immediate action indoors.
-
Secure heavy items at home — Anchor shelves, televisions, and cupboards to reduce risks.
-
Keep emergency numbers handy — Assam State Disaster Management Authority and local helplines.
-
Avoid spreading rumours — Rely only on verified government or seismology reports.
The Assam earthquake Sunday may not have caused large-scale destruction, but it has once again highlighted the fragile geography of the northeast. With tremors reaching far and wide, from Assam to Bhutan, the event has rekindled conversations about building resilience against future quakes.
For now, residents can breathe a sigh of relief, but experts caution that preparedness is the best shield against seismic uncertainty. As Assam rebuilds confidence after Sunday’s shake, this earthquake stands as both a wake-up call and a reminder of resilience.
