Two earthquakes hit Maharashtra's Hingoli within two hours, one of magnitude 4.5; no casualties

Two earthquake tremors were felt in Maharashtra's Hingoli district within about two hours on Saturday morning. One of them measured 4.5 in magnitude and was considered the stronger. The tremors spread panic among people and revived concern over the repeated seismic activity in the area.

According to district disaster management officials, the first tremor measured 3.3 in magnitude. It was recorded at about 7.46 am. Its epicentre was near Gadhala village in Aundha Nagnath tehsil, at a depth of about 7 km.

The first tremor was accompanied by a rumbling sound that people in several villages heard. It caused some worry, but about two hours later, when a much stronger tremor of magnitude 4.5 struck, the situation became more frightening.

The second tremor was felt in many parts of Hingoli district. People spoke of the ground suddenly shaking and of a rumbling sound. Villagers in Pimpaldari and surrounding areas of Aundha Nagnath tehsil said the rumbling continued for a few minutes before the second tremor struck.

Two tremors in a row alarmed people, and many came out of their homes as a precaution. The district administration said, however, that there was no report of any casualty or damage to property after Saturday's tremors.

Reports of seismic activity have come from parts of Hingoli for several years, and Saturday's tremors have drawn attention to it again. Tremors have been felt on and off in the area for about six years, making it a recurring worry for residents. The latest events have deepened the fear among villagers, especially in areas that have earlier been hit by strong tremors.

In neighbouring Pangra Shinde village, a similar rumbling sound was reported on October 1. That had added to concern that activity below the ground was continuing.

Strong tremors were also recorded in the area earlier this year. Earthquakes of magnitude 4.6 and 3.5 struck the area on July 9 and July 11 respectively. The July tremors are said to have been strong enough to crack the walls of some houses.

After the latest tremors, the district administration has appealed to people to stay alert rather than panic. Officials are monitoring the situation and checking whether any building has been damaged by the latest activity. People have also been asked to follow the administration's instructions and not to spread unverified reports, which could cause needless fear.

The two tremors in a short span, together with the area's long history of intermittent seismic activity, have brought the vulnerability of parts of Hingoli to earthquakes back into discussion.