Odisha News

Earthquake Scare in Odisha: Residents Report Continuous Mild Tremors in 48 Hours

By WaveINO Newsroom • May 3, 2026
Earthquake Scare in Odisha: Residents Report Continuous Mild Tremors in 48 Hours

The peaceful early morning hours in Odisha were shattered this weekend as a series of mild earthquakes sparked widespread panic across several districts. Over the last 48 hours, residents have reported feeling the ground vibrate and hearing thunderous sounds, leading many to flee their homes in fear.



Balangir Jolted at Dawn

The latest incident occurred in Balangir district at approximately 4:40 AM on Saturday, May 2, 2026. The tremors, though lasting only a few seconds, were strong enough to wake people from their sleep.



  • Affected Areas: Significant shaking was felt in Balangir town, Deogaon, and Atgaon.



  • Impact: Residents reported doors and windows rattling loudly and household items shaking.



  • Casualties: Fortunately, no injuries or significant structural damage have been confirmed by local authorities so far.



A Pattern of Seismic Activity

This was not an isolated event. The Saturday morning tremor follows a cluster of seismic activity in neighboring regions over the previous two days:



  • Kalahandi District: Experienced a 4.1 magnitude quake on the evening of April 29, followed by a 2.7 magnitude tremor on April 30.

  • Nabarangpur and Koraput: Similar low-intensity quakes have been recorded in these southern and western districts recently, keeping geologists on high alert.



Official Response and Monitoring

The Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) and the National Center for Seismology (NCS) are closely assessing the situation. While Odisha is traditionally considered a low-to-moderate seismic risk zone (Zones II and III), the "back-to-back" nature of these occurrences has raised concerns.



Officials have urged the public to:

  1. Remain Calm: Avoid spreading unverified rumors on social media.



  2. Stay Vigilant: Be prepared for potential aftershocks.



  3. Follow Safety Protocols: Practice the "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" technique if shaking begins.



Why is this Happening?

Experts explain that these tremors are the result of minor tectonic shifts and pressure releases beneath the earth's crust. While the current quakes are mild, the OSDMA is investigating whether they indicate a broader seismic trend for the region or are merely sporadic, isolated events.