Twin Earthquakes Jolt Manipur, Raising Concerns Over Seismic Preparedness
MANIPURENVIRONMENT
Imphal: Two earthquakes struck Manipur today, sending tremors across the northeastern state and reigniting fears in a region known for its high seismic vulnerability. The first quake, with a magnitude of 5.7, hit at 11:06:37 IST, centered in Kamjong district at a depth of 110 km (Latitude: 24.75 N, Longitude: 94.35 E). Just over an hour later, a second quake of magnitude 4.1 rattled the same region at 12:20:43 IST, with a shallower depth of 66 km (Latitude: 24.70 N, Longitude: 94.34 E). No immediate casualties or major damages were reported, though residents in Imphal and surrounding areas felt the shocks, prompting panic.
Manipur lies in Seismic Zone 5, the highest-risk category in India, due to its position along the Indo-Burma Range, where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates collide at a rate of 48 mm per year. This geological setting has historically made the state prone to earthquakes. A stark reminder came on January 4, 2016, when a 6.7-magnitude quake devastated Imphal, killing 13 people, injuring over 200, and causing damages worth ₹2.75 billion. The collapse of poorly constructed buildings, including a six-story high-rise, highlighted the state’s inadequate quake-resistant infrastructure at the time.
Since then, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and local government have worked to bolster preparedness through the North Eastern Region Mitigation Project (NERMP). Efforts include seismic vulnerability assessments, stricter building codes, and public awareness campaigns. Today’s quakes tested these measures. Early reports suggest minimal structural damage in Imphal, hinting at improved compliance. However, experts caution that deeper evaluations are needed to assess the effectiveness of these initiatives, especially in rural areas. While progress is evident, Manipur’s journey to becoming a fully quake-compliant region remains ongoing, with today’s events underscoring the urgency of sustained efforts.