19 Sep 2024 | 06:04 AM UTC
India: Magnitude-5.5 offshore earthquake occurs off Andaman Island at around 10:50 Sept. 19
Magnitude-5.5 offshore earthquake occurs near Andaman Islands, India, at around 10:50 Sept. 19. No immediate reports of damage.
A magnitude-5.5 offshore earthquake occurred in the Bay of Bengal off the Andaman and Nicobar Islands at around 10:50 Sept. 19. The epicenter was approximately 168 km (104 miles) southwest of Port Blair. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 10 km (24 miles), and light shaking was probably felt throughout southern Andaman and parts of northern Nicobar islands. There have been no initial reports of damage or casualties as a result of the earthquake. It could take several hours until authorities can conduct comprehensive damage assessments, especially in remote areas. Aftershocks are likely over the coming days. The event has not prompted any tsunami advisories.
Officials may temporarily shut down transportation infrastructure in the tremor zone to check for damage. Minor disruptions could occur during shutdowns, but service will likely resume quickly if no damage is found. Utility outages are possible, particularly near the earthquake's epicenter.
Plan accordingly for aftershocks. Consider vacating multistory buildings if operating in affected areas until authorities confirm their structural integrity. Allow additional time for air and road travel, as aftershocks may prompt brief disruptions. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving in hilly areas in the affected region due to potential landslides.
