Nagpur: Three earthquakes — two in Nagpur district and one in Yavatmal district — were recorded over Sunday and Monday, adding to a series of tremors that has put the seismic stability of the region under scientific scrutiny.
On Sunday, a 2.6-magnitude earthquake was recorded near Paradgaon lake, close to Umred in Nagpur district at 2.17pm at a depth of 5km. The second earthquake of 3.0 magnitude was recorded near Kalamb in Yavatmal district around 3pm on Monday, followed by a 1.9-magnitude tremor near Soholi, close to Khaparkheda in Nagpur district, at 3.28pm. The latest events follow tremors near Haldgaon and Dawaha in Umred tehsil on Oct 27, including a 3.0-magnitude earthquake. With two seismic events recorded in 2023 and 11 in 2024, the recurring activity is challenging Nagpur’s perception as a low-risk seismic region.
The earthquakes were of low intensity and caused no reported damage or injuries. However, an increase in frequency of tremors has raised concerns about possible changes in geological activity beneath an area traditionally considered relatively safe from earthquakes. The latter originated at a depth of around 4km. Geologists point out that the concern is not the magnitude of individual tremors but their frequency, geographical spread and possible association with dormant geological faults.
Geological Survey of India (GSI) studied 21 villages across Parseoni, Kuhi, Umred and Kamptee tehsils following the 2024 tremors, and launched a micro-earthquake survey covering nearly 1,400 sq km. Because recent tremors have been mild, a stronger event cannot be ruled out merely. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Nagpur | Silver Rate in Nagpur | Bank Holidays in Nagpur | Public Holidays in Nagpur | Petrol Price in Nagpur | Diesel Price in Nagpur | CNG Price in Nagpur | LPG Price in Nagpur Stay updated with the latest Nagpur news.
Repeated stress adjustments or fault reactivation beneath the region could be responsible, although this requires detailed investigation. Nagpur falls under Seismic Zone II, classified as low-risk under Bureau of Indian Standards norms. However, experts caution that this classification should not lead to complacency, particularly as much of the city’s infrastructure was developed assuming relatively low seismic vulnerability. It recommended continuous seismic monitoring and compliance with earthquake-resistant construction norms. Experts say the findings of these investigations need closer examination to establish whether geological structures beneath Vidarbha are becoming active again. Download the TOI App.