4.5-Magnitude Earthquake Off Andhra Coast Shakes Visakhapatnam, No Damage Reported

Visakhapatnam: A moderate earthquake measuring 4.5 on the Richter scale struck the Bay of Bengal early on Sunday, sending mild tremors across Visakhapatnam and several neighbouring districts of Andhra Pradesh. No casualties or property damage have been reported.

The earthquake occurred at around 5:05 a.m., with residents in several parts of Visakhapatnam, including Gajuwaka, Mangalapalem, Sagar Nagar, Pedda Waltair, Arilova, MVP Colony and Appughar, experiencing brief tremors.

According to the National Center for Seismology (NCS), the earthquake occurred at 5:05:46 a.m. IST at a depth of 10 kilometres. Its epicentre was located in the Bay of Bengal, about 225 kilometres off the Kakinada coast, at latitude 16.805° North and longitude 84.381° East.

The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) also confirmed the seismic activity, stating that the tremors were mild and were felt in several areas of Visakhapatnam.

Besides the port city, mild tremors were reported from parts of Anakapalli, Vizianagaram, Kakinada and Konaseema districts.

Seismologists described the event as a shallow earthquake caused by normal structural adjustments beneath the Earth's surface. They said there was no immediate cause for concern, noting that the coastal Andhra region is generally considered tectonically stable.

Authorities said there were no reports of injuries, damage to buildings or disruption to public services following the earthquake.

The region has experienced mild seismic activity in the past as well. In November last year, tremors were felt in Visakhapatnam and Alluri Sitharama Raju district after a 3.7-magnitude earthquake struck near G. Madugula at a depth of 10 kilometres. While the tremors caused panic among residents, no casualties or damage were reported.

With inputs from IANS