Residents of the Sylhet region were jolted awake in the early hours of Thursday morning as two earthquakes struck within just five minutes, both centred near Beanibazar. The first tremor occurred at 2:20:31 AM, followed shortly by a second at 2:25:14 AM, causing alarm across the surrounding areas.
According to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS) in India, the initial quake registered a magnitude of 3.5 on the Richter scale, with a depth of 20 kilometres. The subsequent tremor measured slightly lower at 3.3 in magnitude, but occurred at a greater depth of 30 kilometres. Despite their relatively modest magnitudes, the close succession of the quakes led to a heightened sense of unease among residents, many of whom reported feeling the ground sway and household objects shake.
Seismologists also noted that adjacent regions experienced seismic activity shortly before and after the Sylhet quakes. At 2:54:03 AM, a magnitude 3.7 tremor struck Myanmar, with its epicentre approximately six kilometres north of Mandalay. Later, at 3:38:36 AM, a 4.3-magnitude earthquake was recorded in the Andaman–Nicobar Islands, originating at a depth of 15 kilometres. These events highlight ongoing tectonic activity in the broader South and Southeast Asian region.
Local authorities confirmed that no immediate damage or casualties were reported in Sylhet, but urged residents to remain vigilant and follow standard earthquake safety measures. The rapid succession of tremors underscores the importance of preparedness, even for quakes of relatively moderate strength, particularly in regions situated along seismic fault lines.
Key Earthquake Data:
| Time (Local) | Location | Magnitude | Depth | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02:20:31 AM | Beanibazar, Sylhet | 3.5 | 20 km | First of two quakes in 5 minutes |
| 02:25:14 AM | Beanibazar, Sylhet | 3.3 | 30 km | Second tremor, felt across Sylhet region |
| 02:54:03 AM | North Mandalay, Myanmar | 3.7 | Not specified | Preceding tremor in neighbouring country |
| 03:38:36 AM | Andaman–Nicobar Islands | 4.3 | 15 km | Recorded after Sylhet quakes |
Seismologists continue to monitor the region for potential aftershocks, emphasising that such clusters of earthquakes, while often minor, can serve as early indicators of increased tectonic stress. For the Sylhet community, the events of Thursday morning were a stark reminder of the earth’s unpredictability, urging residents to review emergency procedures and ensure household safety measures are in place.
SB