Residents Rattled by New Earthquakes in Andhra Pradesh Following Recent Seismic Activity

Residents of Shankarapuram, Polavaram, and Pasugugally in the Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh were rattled today by a series of minor earthquakes, 17 days after a significant quake struck parts of neighboring Telangana. The tremors, which sent shockwaves through the region, notably caused panic in Mundlamuru, where authorities took precautionary measures by evacuating students from schools. The recent seismic activity comes on the heels of a 5.3 magnitude earthquake that occurred on December 4, with its epicenter located in Mulugu, approximately 300 kilometers from Hyderabad. This earthquake had already affected various regions, including Hyderabad and the united Krishna district, leading to widespread concern about safety in the area. Today's tremors were felt not only in the immediate vicinity of Prakasam district but also in neighboring locations such as Mundlamuru, Vemmpadu, Marella, and Turpukambhampadu. The Government's response included a temporary evacuation of offices, as government employees prioritized their safety during the shaking. Fortunately, despite the initial alarm and the evacuations, there have been no reports of significant damage or injuries resulting from today's tremors. This is a relief for residents who are still recovering from the psychological impact of the earlier earthquake. However, it is essential to recognize the geophysical context surrounding these events, as both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana fall into Seismic Zone 2, as classified by the Geological Survey of India. The tremors today echo the earlier earthquake in December, which had a considerable impact across multiple regions, leading to property damage, including cracks in the walls of houses in Tiruvuru mandal's Rajupeta area. This prior seismic activity has heightened awareness and concern among residents about the potential for future earthquakes and the need for preparedness. As the region continues to experience these tremors, local authorities urge residents to remain vigilant and prepared for any further seismic activity. Community meetings and safety drills may be necessary to help alleviate fears and ensure that residents know how to respond effectively in the event of another significant earthquake. In the meantime, the focus remains on maintaining safety while monitoring the geological situation closely.