KKN Gurugram Desk | In the early hours of Tuesday, tremors from a moderate earthquake were felt across several regions of Nepal, sparking panic among residents. According to the National Center for Seismology (NCS), the quake struck at 4:39 AM IST with a magnitude of 4.0 on the Richter scale.

The epicenter was located at a depth of 25 kilometers, a factor that contributed to the intensity of the shaking despite the moderate magnitude. The coordinates of the quake were recorded at 28.76°N latitude and 82.01°E longitude.

Residents Flee Homes in Fear

The tremors occurred while most people were asleep, catching many off guard. Several residents reported feeling their beds and walls shake, prompting them to rush outside for safety. Local areas experienced brief but noticeable shaking, with the sudden jolt leading to a temporary atmosphere of panic and fear.

Fortunately, as of the latest updates, no casualties or major structural damage have been reported. However, local authorities remain on alert, closely monitoring the situation for any aftershocks.

Why Was the Earthquake Felt So Strongly Despite Low Magnitude?

Although the Richter scale measured the tremor at 4.0, the depth of the earthquake played a significant role in how strongly it was felt. Earthquakes that occur closer to the surface tend to release energy more rapidly, leading to more noticeable ground movement, even if the magnitude is relatively low.

This is in contrast to deeper earthquakes, which lose a significant amount of energy before reaching the surface and therefore tend to feel weaker. The 25 km depth of today’s quake places it in the shallow to moderate category, making the tremors sharper and more impactful on the ground.

Recent Earthquake Activity in the Region

This is not an isolated event. In recent weeks, the Himalayan and Southeast Asian region has seen a series of earthquakes, further raising concerns among seismologists and disaster management agencies:

• On March 28, 2025, a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, causing over 3,000 deaths and rendering thousands homeless.

• Tremors were also felt in Tibet just days before the Nepal earthquake, indicating a pattern of ongoing tectonic unrest in the region.

• Today’s earthquake in Nepal was followed closely by a 4.6 magnitude quake in Japan, though unrelated in seismic origin.

Nepal: A High-Risk Seismic Zone

Nepal lies in one of the world’s most seismically active zones, owing to the collision between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. The region has a long history of devastating quakes, including the 2015 Gorkha earthquake, which killed nearly 9,000 people and injured tens of thousands more.

Seismologists regularly warn that the Himalayan fault system is accumulating stress, and more tremors—or even a major earthquake—could occur in the future.

Response and Preparedness Measures

Following the early morning tremors, Nepalese authorities issued statements urging people to remain calm and follow standard earthquake safety protocols. No evacuation was deemed necessary, but emergency response teams have been placed on high alert.

Disaster management experts recommend keeping emergency kits handy, being aware of safe zones within homes, and staying informed through official communication channels like the National Center for Seismology’s website and social media handles.

What You Should Know About Earthquake Safety

During an Earthquake:

• Drop to the ground, take cover under sturdy furniture, and hold on.

• Stay indoors until the shaking stops and it’s safe to exit.

• Avoid elevators, windows, and heavy objects.

After an Earthquake:

• Check for injuries and administer basic first aid.

• Inspect your surroundings for structural damage, gas leaks, and electrical faults.

• Stay updated through official alerts and avoid spreading unverified information.

Expert Viewpoint on Today’s Quake

According to experts at the NCS, the tremor is part of the ongoing tectonic adjustment in the region. “Nepal lies on an active fault line, and mild tremors like these are not unusual. However, their psychological impact is significant, especially for people who have experienced past disasters,” said one senior geologist.

The psychological trauma from past large-scale quakes like the 2015 disaster still lingers in the memory of many Nepalese citizens. As a result, even minor tremors trigger widespread anxiety and panic.

No Immediate Tsunami Threat

Since the earthquake occurred inland and was not near any oceanic or coastal regions, there is no threat of a tsunami. However, the situation remains under observation as tectonic activity continues.

While today’s 4.0 magnitude earthquake in Nepal did not result in any damage, it serves as a critical reminder of the region’s vulnerability to seismic activity. For a country with a history of deadly earthquakes, even mild tremors are taken seriously — and rightly so.