A jolt of panic swept across Northeast India on Friday morning as a moderate earthquake rocked the region. The quake, measuring 4.8 on the Richter scale, originated in Bangladesh’s Sylhet district and was felt in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and West Bengal. The tremor lasted for about 20 seconds and occurred at 10:16 am, according to the National Centre of Seismology (NCS). No reports of casualties or damage have been received so far.

The earthquake comes at a time when Assam is grappling with a severe flood situation that has affected over 30,000 people in six districts. The flood waters have submerged roads, bridges, houses and agricultural lands, forcing many people to take shelter in relief camps. The state government has deployed the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) to carry out rescue and relief operations.

The authorities have also issued a red alert for heavy rainfall in some parts of the state. The earthquake and the flood have added to the woes of the people of Assam, who are already facing the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing border dispute with Mizoram. The NCS has advised people to stay calm and alert and follow the safety guidelines issued by the government. It has also urged people to avoid spreading rumours and misinformation about the earthquake.

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