Andaman Islands Rocked by Significant Tremor; Magnitude Discrepancies Emerge
PORT BLAIR, INDIA – November 9, 2025 – A powerful earthquake struck India’s Andaman Islands early Sunday morning, triggering mild panic among residents but resulting in no immediate reports of significant damage or casualties. The seismic event, which occurred on November 9, 2025, has highlighted the region’s persistent vulnerability to tectonic activity, while also revealing notable discrepancies among international seismic monitoring agencies regarding its precise magnitude and depth.
Divergent Seismic Readings Cause Confusion
The German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) reported the earthquake with a magnitude of 6.07, placing its epicenter at a shallow depth of approximately 10 kilometers (6 miles) beneath the Andaman Sea. This reading suggested a potentially more intense shaking at the surface. However, other prominent seismological bodies registered the event differently. India’s National Center for Seismology (NCS) reported a magnitude of 5.4 at a significantly greater depth of 90 kilometers (56 miles). The United States Geological Survey (USGS) also recorded the tremor, estimating its magnitude at 5.5. Such variations in reporting underscore the complexities of global seismic monitoring and can lead to confusion regarding the true scale of an event.
Tremors Felt Across the Archipelago
The tremors were felt across various parts of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, prompting residents to rush outdoors as buildings momentarily swayed. Despite the intensity of the shaking in some areas, official statements confirmed that no immediate casualties or significant structural damage were reported. Authorities quickly assessed the situation and confirmed there was no tsunami threat, a statement that was later corroborated by Malaysia’s Meteorological Department. As a precautionary measure, tourists and fishermen were advised not to venture into the sea, a common protocol in this seismically active zone.
Andaman Islands: A Hotspot for Seismic Activity
The Andaman and Nicobar archipelago, situated at the confluence of the Indian and Burmese tectonic plates, is recognized as one of the world’s most seismically active regions. This geographical positioning places it firmly within Seismic Zone V, India’s highest category for earthquake risk. The region frequently experiences tremors due to the constant interplay and subduction along the Indian Plate and the Sunda Plate. The area’s seismic history includes devastating events, most notably the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, which originated near Sumatra and caused widespread destruction across Southeast Asia.
The proximity of the Andaman Islands to Barren Island, the site of India’s only active volcano, further adds to the geological significance and potential hazards of the region. Seismologists often note that shallower earthquakes, such as the one reported by GFZ at 10 km depth, can cause more intense ground shaking than deeper ones because the seismic waves have less distance to travel to the surface. This difference in depth, alongside the magnitude variations, contributed to a complex picture of the day’s seismic news.
Ongoing Monitoring and Preparedness
Authorities, including the National Center for Seismology and the Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre in Hyderabad, continue to monitor seismic activity closely for any significant aftershocks. While no major secondary tremors had been detected as of Sunday evening, the region remains under vigilant watch. The event serves as a critical reminder for the local population and authorities about the importance of adhering to disaster preparedness protocols and staying informed through official news channels. The global community is increasingly aware of the seismic risks in regions like the Andaman Islands, emphasizing the need for continued research and preparedness measures to mitigate the impact of future geological events. The news today from the Andaman Islands underscores the dynamic nature of our planet and the ever-present need for vigilance.