3.6 Magnitude Quake Rattles Assam’s Dima Hasao

A mild earthquake measuring 3.6 struck Assam’s Dima Hasao district at 12:40 pm IST on Wednesday, 12 November 2025. The tremor originated at a depth of about 30 km, with the epicentre near 25.19°N, 92.92°E. Initial reports indicated no damage to infrastructure or injuries, and essential services remained unaffected as local authorities monitored the situation.

Event parameters and epicentre

Preliminary seismological readings placed the hypocentre within the crust beneath the North Cachar Hills. A 30 km focal depth typically reduces felt intensity at the surface compared with shallow quakes, which helps explain the limited impact despite proximity to populated hill towns. Short, gentle shaking was reported across parts of Dima Hasao and neighbouring districts, with no disruption to rail traffic on the hill section or to state highways.

Seismotectonic setting of Northeast India

Northeast India sits within a highly active seismic corridor shaped by the India–Eurasia plate collision and the Burma microplate dynamics. The complex interaction of the Main Frontal Thrust, Dauki fault, and the Indo–Myanmar Arc generates frequent low-to-moderate tremors. Dima Hasao, positioned between the Shillong Plateau and the Barail Range, routinely experiences minor earthquakes as regional stress adjusts along crustal faults.

Recent tremors and historical context

While most recent quakes in the region have been minor, the area’s history includes major events that inform building codes and preparedness. The 1897 Shillong earthquake (~Mw 8.1) and the 1950 Assam–Tibet earthquake (~Mw 8.6) shaped modern seismic zoning and emphasised the need for resilient infrastructure. Today’s 3.6 event falls well below thresholds associated with structural damage but acts as a timely reminder of the region’s persistent seismicity.

Exam Oriented Facts

• Magnitude: 3.6; Time: 12:40 pm IST; Depth: ~30 km.
• Epicentre coordinates: ~25.19°N, 92.92°E in Dima Hasao.
• Northeast India lies on the India–Eurasia collision zone and Indo–Myanmar Arc.
• No damage or injuries reported; routine monitoring underway.

Preparedness and official advisories

Authorities advise standard precautions: drop–cover–hold during shaking, avoid hillside rockfall zones after rain, and inspect masonry for fresh cracks in older buildings. Public works teams typically review bridges and slopes along key corridors following any felt tremor. Residents in multi-storey structures should check that stairwells remain unobstructed and that emergency kits—water, torches, basic first aid—are accessible. For future events, officials encourage reporting felt intensity to local disaster management cells to improve shakemap accuracy and response planning.