Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: A 3.5-magnitude earthquake struck parts of Hingoli district, including Aundha taluka and surrounding areas, at 11.26am on Saturday, barely 48 hours after four back-to-back tremors rattled the region and damaged over 100 houses.According to the district administration, the epicentre was located at Vasai village in Aundha taluka at a depth of 5km below the ground. No loss of life or property was reported in Saturday’s tremor, but the fresh seismic activity renewed fears among residents already unsettled by the earlier earthquakes.On July 9, Hingoli experienced four earthquakes within less than two hours. The tremors, measuring 4.6, 3.6, 3.9 and 4.1 on the Richter scale, were recorded at 1.37am, 2.15am, 2.17am and 3.23am, respectively. The quakes partially damaged around 105 houses.With the district witnessing repeated low- to moderate-intensity earthquakes in recent years, the administration has begun strengthening disaster preparedness measures.“Taluka-level officials have been instructed to prepare and submit a proposal for implementing public address systems in every village of the district to provide immediate notifications and warnings to residents during emergencies. Proposals will also be worked out for installing seismographs in the vicinity of earthquake-affected villages to scientifically monitor seismic activity,” said collector Abhinav Gupta.Gupta said the collection of seismic data would help authorities improve future planning and disaster management efforts. “All govt departments have been asked to work in coordination to strengthen the district’s disaster management system, give top priority to preparedness, and immediately implement necessary measures to minimise the loss of life and property,” he said.Hingoli and adjoining areas have witnessed multiple minor earthquakes in recent years, with the latest series of tremors raising concerns about the district’s growing vulnerability to recurring seismic activity.
