Earthquakes in India
India sits at the collision front of the Indian and Eurasian plates, generating some of Asia's most destructive earthquakes in the Himalayas, the northeast, and the Kutch region. The 2001 Bhuj earthquake (M7.7) killed over 20,000 people in Gujarat, while the 2015 Nepal earthquake directly affected northern India.
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Live statistics from USGS · Updated every 60 seconds. Open the full live map →
Latest Earthquakes in India
View all on map| Time (UTC) | Magnitude | Place | Depth (km) |
|---|---|---|---|
Live data from USGS · Updates every 60 seconds
View on live map →Why India Has Frequent Earthquakes
India is divided into five seismic zones by the Bureau of Indian Standards. The Himalayan region faces the greatest threat from the Main Himalayan Thrust and its associated fault systems. The northeast is particularly active due to the subduction of the Indian Plate beneath the Burma Plate. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands sit on the Sunda megathrust. Even peninsular India, generally considered stable, experiences intraplate earthquakes in zones like Koyna and Kutch.
Sources: USGS Earthquake Hazards Program · National geological survey · Peer-reviewed seismological literature
Major Historical Earthquakes in India
The most significant seismic events recorded in India, sourced from USGS and national geological surveys.
| Year | Magnitude | Location | Deaths | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | M7.7 | Bhuj, Gujarat | 20,085 | Destroyed Bhuj and surrounding towns on Republic Day; triggered comprehensive seismic code reform. |
| 1993 | M6.2 | Latur, Maharashtra | 9,748 | Struck a region previously considered low-risk; exposed vulnerability of Deccan Plateau masonry construction. |
| 1905 | M7.8 | Kangra, Himachal Pradesh | 20,000 | Kangra Valley devastated; one of the deadliest pre-instrumental era earthquakes in India. |
| 1988 | M6.8 | Bihar-Nepal Border | 1,004 | Struck the Bihar plain; major damage to Madhubani and surrounding districts. |
Sources: USGS Earthquake Hazards Program · National geological survey · Peer-reviewed seismological literature
Earthquake Safety in India
How to prepare for and respond to earthquakes in India.
View full safety guideIndia's Bureau of Indian Standards seismic zone maps identify Zone V as the highest risk — covering Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, northeast India, and the Andaman Islands. Know which zone you live in and ensure your building complies with IS 1893 seismic code requirements.
The National Earthquake Risk Mitigation Project (NERMP) has trained thousands of masons in earthquake-resistant construction. Older unreinforced masonry buildings — prevalent across rural India — remain highly vulnerable.
Official preparedness guidance: National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about earthquakes in India.
What is India's most earthquake-prone region?
The Himalayan region (Zones IV-V), northeast India, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands face the highest seismic hazard. The 2001 Bhuj earthquake in Gujarat demonstrated that western India's intraplate zones can also produce catastrophic earthquakes.
Was India affected by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami?
Yes. The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami (M9.1, Sumatra) killed approximately 16,389 people in India, primarily in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
What was the largest earthquake in India?
The 1950 Assam earthquake (M8.7) is the largest instrumentally recorded earthquake on Indian territory. The 2001 Bhuj earthquake (M7.7) in Gujarat was the deadliest in recent decades, killing over 20,000 people and causing catastrophic damage to unreinforced masonry structures.
How often do major earthquakes occur in India?
India experiences a M6.0+ earthquake roughly every 1-2 years. The Himalayan arc, northeast India, and the Andaman Islands see the most frequent significant events. Intraplate events like the 1993 Latur (M6.2, 9,748 deaths) prove that lower-frequency zones can be catastrophic when building quality is poor.
What should I do during an earthquake in India?
Drop to the floor, take cover under a sturdy table or against an interior wall away from windows, and hold on until shaking stops. After the shaking, exit carefully and move to open ground. Follow guidance from India's NDMA (ndma.gov.in) for your region's specific evacuation plans.
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