4.6 Magnitude Tremor Hits Andaman and Nicobar's Nicobar Islands at Shallow Depth
A moderate quake hits the Nicobar Islands at a shallow depth; no damage has been reported yet.
An earthquake measuring 4.6 on the Richter scale struck the Andaman and Nicobar Islands early Monday morning, according to a statement issued by the National Center for Seismology (NCS). The tremor was recorded at around 3:30 am, causing mild shaking across parts of the Nicobar region, though no immediate reports of damage or casualties were reported.
The NCS said the earthquake occurred at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers beneath the earth’s surface. The epicenter was located at latitude 9.03 degrees North and longitude 92.78 degrees East, placing it within the Nicobar Islands. Details of the seismic activity were also shared by the agency through a post on social media platform X.
In its official update, the NCS stated, “EQ of M: 4.6, On: 02/02/2026 03:31:12 IST, Lat: 9.03 N, Long: 92.78 E, Depth: 10 Km, Location: Nicobar Islands.” Authorities continue to monitor the situation, while residents have been advised to remain calm.
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The Andaman and Nicobar Islands fall under Seismic Zone V, the highest risk category under India’s seismic zoning map. This classification reflects the region’s vulnerability to frequent and sometimes intense seismic activity, owing to its location near tectonic plate boundaries.
Experts note that shallow earthquakes, such as this one, can be more hazardous than deeper tremors because seismic waves travel a shorter distance to the surface, resulting in stronger ground shaking. However, the moderate magnitude of Monday’s quake appears to have limited its impact.
The region has a history of severe seismic events, most notably the devastating earthquake and tsunami of December 26, 2004. That disaster caused massive loss of life and widespread destruction across the islands, underscoring the ongoing seismic risks faced by the territory and the importance of preparedness measures.
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