Visakhapatnam residents were startled awake in the early hours of Tuesday after mild earthquake rippled through the North Coastal Andhra Pradesh. A 3.7 magnitude earthquake struck near G Madugula in Alluri Sitarama Raju district around 4:19 am, and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed the event.
According to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS), the earthquake originated at a depth of 10 kilometres and was classified as a low-intensity seismic event. Cracks in buildings or roads generally appear in quakes measuring 5.0 or higher. An IMD official said that because the earthquake was weaker, it affected only nearby areas such as Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, and Srikakulam.
The IMD clarified that while minor earthquakes like this rarely cause structural damage, the extent of shaking depends on soil type, depth, and construction quality. “Damage usually begins from magnitudes above 5.3, and severe destruction occurs only beyond magnitude 6.0,” the officials explained.
Visakhapatnam residents felt tremors due to earthquake
Residents across Madhurawada, Rushikonda, Maharanipeta, Murali Nagar, Gopalapatnam, Simhachalam, Akkayyapalem, and Beach Road in Visakhapatnam reported mild jolts lasting a few seconds. Some said the tremor was accompanied by thunder and lightning, which initially sparked panic.
Fortunately, there were no reports of damage or injuries, and authorities have ruled out any major aftershocks. Experts have urged residents not to panic, but to remain aware of basic earthquake safety measures, as Andhra Pradesh lies in a moderate seismic zone.
