Published: 4 January 2026DD NewsGeneral
Magnitude 5.1 Earthquake Hits Assam; Tremors Felt Across Northeast India
A 5.1 magnitude earthquake struck Morigaon district in central Assam at 4:17 AM IST on January 5, 2026, at a depth of 50 km. The epicentre was at latitude 26.37 N, longitude 92.29 E. Tremors were felt across Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, western Arunachal Pradesh, and parts of West Bengal.
Shaking was also reported in eastern Bhutan, parts of Bangladesh, and China. No casualties or significant property damage were reported. The National Center for Seismology confirmed the event and authorities conducted rapid assessments. The region lies in Seismic Zone V, the highest risk zone, and has experienced frequent earthquakes due to the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plate convergence.
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Q: Discuss the seismotectonic context of the magnitude 5.1 Assam earthquake and the implications of Northeast India lying in Seismic Zone V.
Answer (50 words):
A 5.1 magnitude earthquake struck Morigaon district, Assam, at 4:17 AM IST on 5 January 2026 at 50 km depth, epicentre at latitude 26.37 N, longitude 92.29 E. Tremors spread across seven Northeast states without casualties. The region lies in the highest Seismic Zone due to Indian-Eurasian plate convergence, demanding sustained preparedness.
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Practice MCQ from this story
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Linked questionHard
The epicentre of the 5.1 magnitude earthquake that struck Assam on January 5, 2026 was located in which district?
Explanation · Correct answer BThe 5.1 magnitude earthquake struck Morigaon district in central Assam at 4:17 AM IST on January 5, 2026, at a depth of 50 km. The epicentre was at latitude 26.37 N, longitude 92.29 E.
Frequently asked questions
Where was the epicentre of the 5.1 magnitude earthquake that struck Assam on January 5, 2026?
The **5.1 magnitude earthquake** struck **Morigaon district** in central Assam on January 5, 2026 at **4:17 AM IST**, at a depth of **50 km**. The epicentre was at latitude **26.37 N**, longitude **92.29 E**. The **National Center for Seismology** confirmed the event; no casualties or significant property damage were reported.
Which states and countries felt the tremors from the January 2026 Assam earthquake?
Tremors from the **5.1 magnitude Assam earthquake** (January 5, 2026) were felt across **seven Northeast Indian states and parts of West Bengal**: Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, western Arunachal Pradesh, and parts of West Bengal. Internationally, shaking was reported in **Bhutan**, **Bangladesh**, and **Nepal**, highlighting the earthquake's regional impact.
Why does Assam lie in Seismic Zone V and experience frequent earthquakes?
**Assam** and the Northeast India region lie in **Seismic Zone V** — the highest seismic risk zone in India — due to the **convergence of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates**. This collision creates immense stress along fault lines, resulting in frequent seismic activity. The January 5, 2026 **5.1 magnitude earthquake** with epicentre in **Morigaon district** (50 km depth) is a direct consequence of this tectonic setting.
What is the Seismic Zone classification of Northeast India and why is it considered high risk?
Northeast India, including **Assam**, falls under **Seismic Zone V**, the highest earthquake risk classification in India. This is because the region sits at the **convergence zone of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates**. The **January 5, 2026 earthquake** (magnitude 5.1, Morigaon district, depth 50 km) caused tremors across **8 states and 3 neighbouring countries** — Bhutan, Bangladesh, and China — but no casualties were reported.
What did the National Center for Seismology report about the January 2026 Assam earthquake?
The **National Center for Seismology (NCS)** confirmed the **5.1 magnitude earthquake** that struck **Morigaon district, Assam** on January 5, 2026 at 4:17 AM IST, with an epicentre at **26.37 N, 92.29 E** and depth of **50 km**. Authorities conducted rapid assessments; **no casualties or significant property damage** were reported despite tremors being felt across multiple Northeast Indian states and in Bhutan, Bangladesh, and China.
