Quake strikes near Andaman and Nicobar Islands as India ramps up disaster preparedness drills
New Delhi, July 29, 2025
The Bay of Bengal near the Andaman and Nicobar Islands was the site of a 6.3 magnitude earthquake that occurred at about 12:11 a.m. IST on Tuesday, July 29, according to the National Center for Seismology (NCS). The earthquake’s epicenter was at Latitude 6.82°N and Longitude 93.37°E, with a depth of 10 kilometers.
At this time, the quake has caused no damage or loss of life. However, officials are monitoring the area for aftershocks since it is known for sensitivity to seismic activity.
This tremor comes on the heels of a 3.2 magnitude earthquake that shook Delhi-NCR lightly on July 22, with an epicenter in Faridabad. While there was no damage, there has certainly been added precaution.
In response, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) will launch a four-day drill program in partnership with the governments of Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh from July 29 to August 1. The drills will focus on increasing emergency response to earthquakes and chemical hazards through large-scale exercises.
To reiterate, recent increased seismic activity has been noted worldwide. Japan has reported a 5.3 magnitude quake near Hokkaido and a 6.6 magnitude quake near Samoa, but fortunately, neither event produced significant damage or caused a tsunami.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, part of a tectonically active zone, are accustomed to such quakes due to the movement of the Indo-Australian and Eurasian plates. Authorities continue to emphasize preparedness and awareness, especially in high-risk zones, as part of broader disaster risk reduction initiatives.
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