Did an earthquake hit Andhra Pradesh's Vizag overnight? Here's what we know
As users took to social media to report experiencing tremors, an independent tracking website reported a ‘seismic-like event, possible earthquake’ in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
Social media users took to X, claiming they felt an earthquake in Visakhapatnam (Vizag), Andhra Pradesh, during the early hours of Tuesday. Some described the tremors as brief but strong, lasting for a few seconds.
Independent tracking website Volcano Discovery reported a “seismic-like event, possible earthquake” around 10.49 pm GMT (4.19 am IST) in Vizag.
However, the tracking site said, “There are no details yet on the magnitude or depth of this possible quake.”
Despite user reports and independent reports of possible seismic activity, there has been no confirmation yet from the National Center for Seismology (NCS).
The last update from the NCS was in relation to the earthquake in Russia's Kamchatka region on Monday.
Here's what users say
Afghanistan earthquake
In related news, a strong 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck northern Afghanistan early Monday, killing at least 20 people and injuring over 640, while also causing damage to the historic Blue Mosque, officials said, reported AP. Authorities warned that the death and injury toll could increase.
The US Geological Survey said that the earthquake’s epicentre was 22 kilometres (14 miles) west-southwest of Khulm and occurred at 12:59 am, with a depth of 28 kilometres (17 miles).
In Khulm, near the quake’s epicentre, residents sifted through the rubble of collapsed mud-brick homes, using shovels and their hands to recover belongings. Local resident Ahmad Zia described the dust-filled air from the destroyed houses.
Social media footage from Mazar-e-Sharif, the capital of northern Balkh province, showed some bricks had fallen from the Blue Mosque’s walls, but the structure itself remained standing. The centuries-old mosque, a key religious and cultural site, hosts large gatherings during Islamic and cultural festivals.
Afghanistan, a country with limited resources, often struggles to respond to natural disasters, particularly in remote areas, according to the report. Many buildings are low-rise concrete or brick structures, while rural homes are frequently made of poorly constructed mud bricks and wood, making them highly vulnerable to earthquakes.
Qari Taj Mohammad Hemat, deputy spokesperson for Afghanistan's National Disaster Management Authority, said that the quake affected Balkh, Samangan, Sar-e-Pul and Kunduz provinces, resulting in 20 deaths and 643 injuries, 25 of whom are in critical condition.
Sharafat Zaman, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Health, said that the deceased and over 500 injured had been taken to hospitals in Balkh and Samangan provinces. He added that rescuers were still on site and the numbers were continuing to change.