'Aftershocks can set off big quake in Assam' | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

'Aftershocks can set off big quake in Assam'

PTI | ByPress Trust of India, New Delhi
Jan 01, 2005 07:57 PM IST

Aftershocks of the killer quake are moving northwards, say scientists.

Aftershocks of last week's killer quake off Sumatra are moving northwards and can potentially trigger a major earthquake in Assam, scientists in the United States have cautioned the Indian government.

HT Image
HT Image

The scientists at the Center for Earth Observing and Space Research in George Mason University in Virginia, who have been analysing the seismic data since December 26, have found the aftershocks moving towards north along 90-degree Ridge.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

"If the sequence of these aftershocks moves further north then it may trigger a very big earthquake in Assam region, which is expected by the scientists since long time," Ramesh P Singh, a member of the team and Vice Chairman of the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics (IUGG) Risk Commission said.

Singh said that the magnitude-5 earthquake on December 30 near Myanmar reported by the US Geological Survey was probably caused by the aftershocks.

Its epicentre falls on the trajectory of the aftershocks.

Singh, who is on leave from Indian Institute of Technology (Kanpur) said, "no big earthquake has occurred in Assam region for a long time and scientists believe that it is due any time".

"I am really afraid if the aftershock movement continues northward along the 90 degree east to the main boundary fault and main central thrust," Singh said.

"I hope it will subside. I am just alerting government agencies," he said.

In Assam, India's Department of Science and Technology has established a GPS satellite network for monitoring crustal movements. Singh said he has requested government agencies to keep a close eye on aftershocks.

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Arvind Kejriwal News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On