Bhubaneswar: Mild earthquake tremors were felt in Odisha's Balangir district in the early hours of Saturday, triggering brief panic among residents but causing no reported damage or casualties.
According to initial reports, the tremors occurred at around 4:40 am and lasted for a few seconds. Though mild in intensity, the sudden shaking was strong enough to wake people from sleep, prompting many to rush out of their homes in fear. The tremors were felt across several parts of the district.
The incident comes close on the heels of similar low-intensity seismic activity reported over the past two days in neighbouring districts such as Nabarangpur and Kalahandi. The back-to-back occurrences have raised concerns among residents and prompted authorities to step up monitoring.
Officials from the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) said the situation remains under control and there is no immediate cause for alarm. "There have been no reports of structural damage or injuries. However, we are closely monitoring the region for any aftershocks," an official said.
Geologists and disaster management experts are assessing the pattern of recent tremors to determine whether they are isolated incidents or indicative of a broader seismic trend in the region. Odisha is not traditionally considered a high seismic risk zone, but sporadic low-intensity tremors have been recorded in the past.
Authorities have urged residents to remain calm but vigilant, and to follow basic safety protocols in case of aftershocks. People have also been advised to stay updated through official channels and avoid spreading unverified information.
Local officials assured residents of continued support and swift response in the event of any further seismic activity.