Earthquake Shakes Telugu States: Panic Strikes as Tremors Felt Across AP and Telangana

An earthquake measuring 5.3 on the Richter scale struck the Telugu states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana early on Wednesday morning, causing widespread panic as tremors were felt across several districts. The tremors, which lasted from 7:00 AM to 7:28 AM, caused residents to rush out of their homes in fear as the ground shook beneath them.

The National Center for Seismology confirmed that the earthquake originated in Mulugu, Telangana, with the epicenter located between Medaram, Maredupaka, and Borlagudem in the Mulugu district. The earthquake occurred at a depth of 40 km below the surface, and the tremors were felt in a wide radius, affecting many areas in both states.

Panic in Charla, Dummugudem, and Surrounding Areas

The tremors were particularly strong in Charla and Dummugudem in Telangana. Local residents described the experience as terrifying, with the shaking causing dizziness and household items falling. People immediately ran out of their homes, fearing that the buildings might collapse. In addition to Charla and Dummugudem, the tremors were also felt in Khammam, Bhadradri, Warangal, and parts of Eluru and Krishna districts, particularly along the borders of Khammam and Eluru. Locals in Charla and Manuguru in Khammam district expressed their concern as the shaking continued for several seconds.

Tremors Felt in Hyderabad and Other Urban Areas

Hyderabad also experienced tremors, with residents who were at home during the early morning hours feeling the earth move. The tremors were particularly noticeable in the city’s outskirts, including areas such as Kothagudem, Hanumakonda, Warangal, and parts of Kothagudem. People in these areas reported sudden and sharp shaking that led to widespread alarm.

Impact in Vijayawada and Surrounding Villages

In Andhra Pradesh, Vijayawada and nearby villages such as Jaggayapet experienced significant tremors. The shaking lasted for a few seconds, and people in homes and apartments rushed out in fear. The tremors left many residents worried and shaken, especially as this was the first such incident in recent memory. The tremors in these areas were brief but strong enough to cause anxiety among the population.

Kothagudem and Manuguru Experiences

The earthquake had a particularly strong impact in Bhadradri Kothagudem district, where Kothagudem town experienced a tremor that lasted for three seconds. The earthquake occurred at 7:27 AM, and the shaking was so intense that it startled people out of their homes. In the nearby Manuguru sub-division, residents experienced tremors for about five seconds, beginning at 7:28 AM. People in these regions described the experience as overwhelming, with many feeling disoriented due to the strength of the tremors.

Shaking in Mahabubabad and Karimnagar

The ground shook violently in Mahabubabad district’s Gangaram area, where the tremors caused people sitting on chairs to fall over. The shaking was so intense that it made locals anxious about the possibility of further aftershocks. Karimnagar and Vidyanagar, both in the Peddapalli district, also experienced tremors, with people standing suddenly losing their balance. Several residents in these areas reported feeling disoriented as a result of the shaking.

Tremors in Peddapalli District

Peddapalli district, particularly in Sultanabad, Odela, and Kalva Srirampur mandals, felt the effects of the earthquake. Locals in Deen Dayal Nagar and Vidyut Nagar near Hanumakonda Hunter Road fled their homes in fear, with kitchen items falling off shelves due to the shaking. The tremors in these areas lasted for a few seconds, but the intensity left many residents shaken and worried.

Seismic Activity in Earthquake-Prone Zones

The Telugu states, especially areas near rivers and regions with coal mining activities, lie in seismic zones that are prone to occasional earthquakes. While occasional tremors are not uncommon due to movements in the earth’s crust, the intensity of the shaking on Wednesday morning caused heightened concerns among residents. The frequency of such events in certain areas has led to a growing awareness of the region's seismic risks.

Conclusion and Public Response

The earthquake on Wednesday morning caused widespread panic across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, with many residents rushing out of their homes in fear of building collapses. While the tremors were brief, their intensity has raised concerns about the possibility of further seismic activity in the coming days. Local authorities are monitoring the situation closely, and residents have been urged to stay alert as aftershocks may follow.

In response to the tremors, several agencies, including the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), are assessing the impact and advising people on how to stay safe during seismic events. The earthquake is a stark reminder of the seismic risks faced by certain regions in the Telugu states, and the need for preparedness in case of larger quakes.