Earthquake of 4.6 magnitude strikes Andaman and Nicobar Islands

SRI VIJAYA PURAM: A 4.6-magnitude earthquake struck the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on Monday at around 3:30 am, the National Center of Seismology (NCS) said.According to the NCS, the tremor occurred at a depth of 10 km, with its epicenter located at 9.03°N latitude and 92.78°E longitude.In a post on X, the NCS said, "EQ of M: 4.6, On: 02/02/2026 03:31:12 IST, Lat: 9.03 N, Long: 92.78 E, Depth: 10 Km, Location: Nicobar Islands"These islands are classified in Seismic Zone - V as per the seismic zoning map of India contained in 1893-1984 and are one of the most seismically active parts of the world.Several major earthquakes have struck the region in the past.The devastating earthquake on December 26, 2004, caused significant horizontal and vertical land shifts in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and generated tsunami waves that claimed thousands of lives and destroyed property on an unprecedented scale, according to the Directorate of Disaster Management, A&N Administration.Experts note that shallow earthquakes are generally more dangerous than deeper ones. Since their seismic waves travel a shorter distance to the surface, they produce stronger ground shaking, leading to greater damage to structures and potentially higher casualties.A 4.6-magnitude earthquake also rattled Jammu and Kashmir’s Baramulla district early Monday. Officials said the tremor struck at 5:35 am, with the Pattan area identified as the epicenter.(With agency inputs)