5.4 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Andaman Sea: No Damage Reported in Island Chain

The earthquake occurred at 12.06 pm on Sunday (Representational)

Port Blair:

According to the National Center for Seismology, an earthquake measuring 5.4 magnitude was detected in the Andaman Sea on Sunday.

Tremors were experienced across parts of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, though officials reported no immediate casualties or property damage.

The seismology centre confirmed the earthquake struck at 12.06 pm with a depth of 90 km beneath the ocean floor.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands Chief Secretary Dr Chandra Bhushan Kumar provided additional details, stating, "An earthquake of 5.7 magnitude occurred on November 9 around 12.08 pm. Tremors were felt at Mayabunder, Rangat and adjacent areas in North and Middle Andaman. All concerned agencies have been alerted, and standard protocols are currently in effect." He mentioned that multiple teams are actively monitoring seismic activity throughout the region.

"As a safety precaution, we have issued advisories to tourists and fishermen to avoid entering the sea," the Chief Secretary added.

The District Emergency Operations Centre (DEOC) in Port Blair reported that the epicenter was located at a depth of 96 kilometers north of Barren Island in the Andaman Sea.

Barren Island, situated approximately 140 km from Port Blair by sea, is notable for hosting India's only active volcano. This uninhabited island is positioned at the intersection of the Indian and Burmese tectonic plates.

The Alpine-Himalayan seismic belt, which extends to the Andaman-Nicobar archipelago, is recognized as one of the world's most seismically active regions, with the island chain frequently experiencing earthquake activity.