Post by : Meena Ariff

A mild earthquake measuring 4.1 on the Richter scale struck parts of Gujarat’s Kutch district in the early hours of Saturday, triggering panic among residents just days ahead of the anniversary of the 2001 Bhuj earthquake.

According to officials, the tremor was recorded at around 1:22 a.m., with its epicentre located approximately 55 kilometres from Khawda. The sudden jolt was felt across several nearby villages, prompting many residents to step out of their homes in fear, particularly in rural areas.

There were no immediate reports of loss of life or damage to property. However, locals described moments of anxiety as the shaking caught people off guard while they were asleep.

The latest earthquake is part of a recent pattern of seismic activity in the region. On Friday evening, a 2.5 magnitude tremor was recorded near Rapar at about 5:47 p.m., with the epicentre located close to Khengarpar, nearly 19 kilometres from the town.

Later the same evening, another earthquake measuring 2.7 struck Bhachau, adding to unease among residents already concerned by repeated tremors over the past few days.

Kutch has witnessed increased seismic movement in recent months. In December last year, a 4.4 magnitude earthquake struck around 43 kilometres from Rapar, followed by more than 17 aftershocks. The region also experienced four separate tremors on December 26 and 27, with the Rapar area being affected twice on both days.

One of the tremors recorded on December 26 measured 4.6 on the Richter scale, causing widespread alarm. In several localities, residents rushed outdoors, fearing stronger shocks.

Authorities have reiterated that Kutch falls within an earthquake-prone zone where minor and moderate tremors are frequently recorded. The district administration is closely monitoring the situation and has urged people not to panic or spread unverified information.

The recent seismic activity has once again brought back memories of the devastating 7.6 magnitude earthquake that struck Gujarat on January 26, 2001. The epicentre of that powerful quake was located near Chobari village in Bhachau taluka of Kutch district.

The 2001 earthquake, which reached a maximum Mercalli intensity of XII, remains one of the most destructive natural disasters in India’s history. Official records show that over 20,000 people lost their lives, more than 1.6 lakh were injured, and nearly 28 million people were affected. Around 442 villages suffered extensive damage, with at least 70 per cent of homes destroyed, leaving a lasting scar on the region.

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