Guwahati, Jan 6: A moderate earthquake measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale that struck central Assam early on January 5 was linked to tectonic activity near the Kopili Fault, according to a preliminary assessment by the National Centre for Seismology (NCS).

The quake occurred at 4:17:40 am with its epicentre located in Morigaon district, at a depth of 50 km, the NCS said in its report. The epicentre was about 65 km northeast of Guwahati, and the tremor was felt across large parts of Assam and neighbouring states.

According to the analysis, the earthquake was associated with a thrust fault mechanism and occurred close to the zone that witnessed a magnitude 5.1 earthquake in Udalguri in September 2025. The region lies along an active tectonic corridor that has experienced repeated seismic events in recent years.

The NCS reported that the quake generated Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) levels ranging from II to IV, with stronger shaking felt within a radius of about 200 km from the epicentre. A total of 90 felt reports were received through the NCS website and the BhooKamp mobile application, indicating light to moderate shaking across the region.

Importantly, no aftershocks were recorded till the preparation of the report. Scientists noted that seismic energy may have attenuated quickly as the source zone has already been weakened by earlier earthquakes, including the April 2021 Sonitpur earthquake (M 6.4) and its aftershock sequence.

The report reiterated that Assam lies in one of India’s most seismically active regions, influenced by major tectonic features such as the Himalayan Frontal Thrust, Main Boundary Thrust, Main Central Thrust, Kopili Fault and Dhubri Fault. The Assam region falls in the high seismic zones VI (2025) of the seismic zoning map of Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

Authorities have advised continued vigilance, although no major structural damage was reported following the January 5 tremor.

Also Read: Congress questions delay in Orunodoi payout ahead of Assam Assembly polls

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