An earthquake of magnitude 5.1 struck near Puri early this morning, shaking residents and raising concerns about the state's seismic vulnerability. 

The tremor, which occurred at a depth of 91 km in the Bay of Bengal, has once again highlighted the need to understand Odisha's earthquake risk.

Areas Affected by the Recent Tremor

Several parts of Odisha, including Bhubaneswar and coastal districts from Balasore to Paradip, felt the tremors. The National Center for Seismology (NCS) reported that the earthquake's epicentre was about 286 km east of Puri and 297 km east-south-east of Bhubaneswar. 

Fortunately, no casualties or structural damages have been reported so far.

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Seismic Zones in Odisha

Odisha is classified under seismic zones II and III, indicating a moderate level of seismic activity. Although the state does not frequently experience high-magnitude earthquakes, there have been notable tremors in the past.

For instance, on December 4, 2024, a magnitude 5.0 earthquake struck 249 km WSW of Nabarangpur. Another significant quake, with a magnitude of 4.9, was recorded 128 km south of Berhampur on August 4, 2023.

Factors Contributing to Earthquake Risk

Coastal regions of Odisha are generally more susceptible to earthquakes due to their proximity to the tectonic plate boundary.

The Bay of Bengal plays a role in Odisha's seismic activity due to the complex interaction between the Indian plate and the Myanmar microplate beneath the Bay.

The movement and interaction of these plates cause earthquakes, and this was highlighted in the May 21, 2014, Bay of Bengal earthquake, which had a magnitude of 6.0. It had caused widespread tremors in Odisha.

Geological Faults

Geological faults, such as those associated with the Mahanadi Graben, and subsurface faults within the Mahanadi coastal basin, contribute to the region's seismic activity. The Mahanadi river valley regions, including Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, fall within seismic zone III.

While Odisha may not be as seismically active as other regions in India, today's earthquake serves as a timely reminder that preparedness is the key. Understanding the state's seismic zone classification and past tremors can help residents stay vigilant and better prepared for future events.