In a rare seismic occurrence, Telangana was struck by a 5.3-magnitude earthquake on Wednesday morning, centred in Medaram, Mulugu district. According to the National Center for Seismology, this was the second-strongest earthquake in the region in 55 years, the first being a 5.7-magnitude tremor near Bhadrachalam in 1969. Spanning a depth of 40 kilometres, the tremors affected parts of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra, including Hyderabad and its surrounding areas. Fortunately, no casualties or significant damage were reported.
The Godavari fault zone, which has historically been linked to seismic activity in this region, was identified as the source of the earthquake. Despite Telangana’s classification under Seismic Zone II—a relatively low-risk category—scientists warn of potential aftershocks. Experts at the CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) have stressed the importance of proactive measures, particularly in urban planning and disaster management, to mitigate future risks.
From an urban perspective, the event is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities posed by inadequate infrastructure in seismic zones. The Killari earthquake of 1993, which claimed thousands of lives due to poorly designed buildings, contrasts sharply with California’s 1994 San Francisco earthquake of similar magnitude, where earthquake-resistant infrastructure limited fatalities to just 24. In light of this, urban municipalities in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh have been urged to enforce stricter building codes to withstand seismic events.
Addressing the sustainability angle, seismic resilience must be prioritised in urban planning. Incorporating earthquake-resistant technologies in new constructions and retrofitting older structures are crucial. Disaster management authorities must also focus on public awareness campaigns and preparedness strategies to minimise loss of life and property. This earthquake underscores the critical need for sustainable urban development and robust disaster management to safeguard lives in seismic-prone regions.
