Four mild tremors felt in Prakasam dist over last three days

Vijayawada: Four mild tremors were reported near Addanki of undivided Prakasam district over the last three days, including two on Monday with magnitudes of 0.9 and 1.8.
Earlier, on Sunday morning, brief tremors caused panic in Mundlamuru mandal, affecting villages like Mundlamuru, Singannapalem, and Marella. On Saturday, a 3.1-magnitude earthquake occurred in the region. The National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) noted the area's history of seismic activity, with significant past earthquakes ranging up to 5.4 magnitude. Authorities are monitoring the situation and advising residents to stay calm and be prepared.
Speaking about the reoccurrence of the earthquakes, an official from NGRI told TOI that these types of reoccurrences are called earthquake swarms, which means a series of seismic events that occur in a local area over a short period of time. The length of the swarm can vary from days to years, but they are usually short-lived. The reasons behind this are to be investigated; we can't conclude anything before that, says the official.
He also added that mild earthquakes in the Gudlakamma fault are not new; there were multiple such incidents reported in the past. Usually, earthquake swarms are of low magnitude, and they are shallow earthquakes which are up to a magnitude of 6. These swarms generate an explosion-like sound.
The official recalled that similar earthquake swarms were reported in Borabanda and Vanasthalipuram areas of Hyderabad a few years ago during the monsoon season. NGRI officials were informed about the series of incidents. A geolocal survey is expected in the coming days.
It may be recalled that mild tremors were reported in the undivided Prakasam district on Sunday morning, causing panic among residents in Mundlamuru mandal. Villages such as Mundlamuru, Singannapalem, and Marella experienced brief tremors, with the ground reportedly shaking for a second.
This follows a mild earthquake on Saturday morning, when several villages in Mundlamuru and Tallur mandals felt tremors lasting approximately two seconds. The earthquake, recorded at 10:35 am with a magnitude of 3.1, caused panic among residents and disruptions in schools and offices.
Saturday's tremors affected villages including Shankarapuram, Polavaram, Pasupugallu, Vempadu, Mundlamuru, Marella, and East Kambhampadu, while also being felt in Gangavaram and Ramabhadrapuram. Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud rumbling sound before the ground began shaking, prompting residents to rush outdoors in fear. Students and govt employees evacuated their buildings as a precautionary measure.
In light of the recent series of earthquakes, energy minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar and social welfare minister Dola Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy have taken proactive measures to address the situation. The ministers have reached out to the Prakasam district collector, urging a thorough investigation into the recurring seismic activity over the past two days.
Emphasising the importance of understanding the root cause of these earthquakes, the ministers instructed the collector to coordinate with the disaster management department and initiate discussions with scientists from the National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI). The objective is to determine key details such as the epicentre and underlying reasons behind the frequent tremors.
"We urge the people of Prakasam district to remain calm and courageous during this time. The govt is closely monitoring the situation and working with experts to provide clarity and solutions," stated Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar.
Minister Dola Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy added that the govt is committed to addressing the concerns of the people and ensuring their safety. He urged people to stand together in facing this challenge."