Earthquake of magnitude 5.4 jolts Andaman and Nicobar Islands; NCS updates here

A moderate earthquake struck the Andaman Sea on Sunday afternoon, with differing reports placing its magnitude between 5.4 and 6.0. What caused the discrepancy and why do scientists say this region remains one of India’s most earthquake-prone zones?

Port Blair: An earthquake of magnitude 5.4 hit the Andaman region on Sunday, November 9, according to the National Center for Seismology (NCS). The tremors were recorded at 12:06 pm (IST), with the epicentre located in the Andaman Sea, approximately at latitude 12.49°N and longitude 93.83°E.

As per NCS, the quake occurred at a depth of 90 kilometres, which typically reduces surface damage. Tremors were felt across several parts of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, including Port Blair, Diglipur, and Havelock, where residents reported mild shaking lasting a few seconds. However, there were no immediate reports of injuries or structural damage.

EQ of M: 5.4, On: 09/11/2025 12:06:28 IST, Lat: 12.49 N, Long: 93.83 E, Depth: 90 Km, Location: Andaman Sea.
For more information Download the BhooKamp App https://t.co/5gCOtjdtw0 @DrJitendraSingh @OfficeOfDrJS @Ravi_MoES @Dr_Mishra1966 @ndmaindia pic.twitter.com/uJB3jaDDI9

— National Center for Seismology (@NCS_Earthquake) November 9, 2025

Conflicting Magnitude Reports

While the National Center for Seismology pegged the quake’s intensity at magnitude 5.4, the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) reported a slightly stronger reading of magnitude 6.07 with a shallower depth of 10 km.

Strong 6.1 magnitude earthquake hits Mindanao; Is the Philippines facing a wave of seismic unrest?

Shallower quakes are generally felt more intensely on the surface, but in this case, local authorities confirmed that the tremors were moderate and short-lived.

Seismologists are currently analysing data from multiple global sensors to reconcile the difference in magnitude and depth readings.

No Damage or Tsunami Threat Reported

Officials from the Andaman and Nicobar Disaster Management Authority (ANDMA) confirmed that no casualties or property damage have been reported so far, and there is no tsunami warning in effect.

Why are even moderate earthquakes fatal in Afghanistan? Know the science behind it

Disaster response teams were placed on alert as a precaution, and communication lines were checked across affected areas.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands lie in one of the most seismically active zones of the world near the Indo-Burmese and Sunda tectonic plates making them vulnerable to periodic tremors. Authorities have urged residents to stay alert but assured that the situation remains normal and under control.