Earthquake: Tremors Felt on New Year's Day In This Indian State, Magnitude Recorded on the Richter Scale
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): On New Year's Day, earthquake tremors were felt early in the morning in the Kutch region of Gujarat. The magnitude of the earthquake on the Richter scale was recorded at 3.2. The tremors were registered at 10:24 AM, with the epicenter located 23 kilometers north-northeast (NNE) of Bachau. According to district authorities, there have been no reports of casualties or property damage due to the quake.
Earthquake Felt Three Days Ago
It is worth mentioning that last month, the area experienced four earthquakes, each with a magnitude above 3. One of these, which occurred three days ago, had a magnitude of 3.2, and its epicenter was also near Bachau.
Why Do Earthquakes Occur?
The Earth’s interior consists of seven plates that continuously move. Areas where these plates collide are known as fault lines. Constant collisions cause the edges of the plates to bend. When the pressure becomes too much, the plates break apart, and the energy from below seeks a way to escape, causing a disturbance and leading to an earthquake.
Understanding the Danger of Earthquake Magnitudes
>Earthquakes with a magnitude of 0 to 1.9 are considered very weak, detectable only by a seismograph.
>Earthquakes with a magnitude of 2 to 2.9 produce slight shaking on the Richter scale.
>Magnitudes between 3 and 3.9 feel like a truck passing by nearby.
>Earthquakes of magnitude 4 to 4.9 can cause windows to break and frames hanging on walls to fall.
>A magnitude of 5 to 5.9 can shake furniture inside homes.
>Earthquakes between 6 and 6.9 can cause the foundations of buildings to crack.
>A magnitude of 7 to 7.9 is dangerous and can cause buildings to collapse and pipes underground to rupture.
>Earthquakes with a magnitude of 8 to 8.9 are highly destructive, as seen in countries like Japan and China, where earthquakes of magnitude 8.8 to 8.9 caused widespread devastation.
>Earthquakes with a magnitude of 9 or more lead to complete destruction, causing buildings to collapse, trees and plants to be uprooted, and tsunamis to strike coastal areas.
