Hyderabad Earthquake: Is something sinister unfolding in Mulugu?

A sudden earthquake today left many residents of Hyderabad and surrounding regions in a state of confusion and panic. The tremors, which struck early this morning, prompted people to rush out of their homes in fear. Though brief, the shaking was powerful enough to stir anxiety, especially among those who were unaware of the cause.

Experts are still working to unravel the underlying reasons for the tremors. According to Dr. Shekhar, Principal Scientist at the National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI), the earthquake originated in the Mulugu region, within the Godavari river catchment area. The seismic activity, measured at 5.3 on the Richter scale, occurred at 7:27 AM, with its effects reaching as far as Hyderabad, nearly 300 kilometers away.

Dr. Shekhar explained that while earthquakes of this magnitude are not uncommon in the region, the origin near the Godavari catchment area remains a mystery. The disturbance was felt most intensely in the Mulugu, Bhadrachalam, and Kothagudem districts. He cautioned residents about the possibility of aftershocks, but reassured them that the threat of significant damage was low, as earthquakes below 6.0 on the Richter scale typically don't lead to major destruction.

This is not the first time Mulugu has been the epicenter of seismic activity. In 1969, the region experienced a notable earthquake of 5.7 magnitude. While today's tremors were less severe, concerns about ongoing seismic activity in the area persist. Dr. Shekhar advised residents to stay away from buildings with visible cracks and older structures, as they could be more vulnerable to further shaking.

The cause of this earthquake, as well as any future tremors, will require more in-depth study by geologists and experts. For now, residents are left to grapple with the unknowns of today’s earthquake, all while experts continue to search for answers.

Experts still clueless on forest disaster in Mulugu Telangana Puli Sharath Kumar 14 September 2024 6:30 PM Officials of various departments conducting surveys in the Eturnagaram forest region in Mulugu district. A joint investigation by the forest, National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA) and meteorological departments of the disaster in the Eturnagaram forest region between Thadvai and Pasra in Mulugu district failed to reach a conclusion.

Earlier, on the night of August 31, tornado-like gusty winds struck the Eturnagaram forest,Mulugu uprooting approximately one lakh trees across 204.3 hectares, including several types of medicinal plants. The unprecedented event, which occurred at midnight, sent shockwaves throughout the state and drew attention from nature enthusiasts nationwide. This incident marked the first of its kind in the history of the forest department.

A team of officials from various departments, led by the forest department, is conducting a survey and investigation into the disaster. They are analyzing meteorological satellite data to determine the exact causes, including the duration of the event, how long the trees were airborne, the distance they traveled, and the types of trees affected.

One of the key concerns raised by officials is the impact on local wildlife, as no reports of animal casualties have emerged despite the severity of the event. According to a report from the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, R. M. Dobriyal, the strong winds, which reached speeds of 100 to 120 kilometers per hour, uprooted the trees. However, the specific environmental factors that led to the disaster will only be clear once a detailed study by the national remote sensing and meteorological departments is completed.

The area where the disaster occurred is known for its fertile land, but it lacks hard objects such as stones beneath the surface. To further understand the cause, soil tests are needed in the region. Forest officials, under the supervision of DFO Rahul Kishan Jadhav, are closely monitoring the area and preventing local people from entering the affected forests.