September 16, 2025

Bang! A strong earthquake measuring 5.8 on the Richter scale shook Assam and parts of northern West Bengal on Sunday evening, sending waves of panic across the region. The ground started trembling at 4:41 pm, followed by three more aftershocks within the next 90 minutes, with magnitudes 3.1, 2.9, and 2.7 hitting at 4:58 pm, 5:21 pm, and 6:11 pm. Officials revealed that the epicentre of the powerful third quake was in Sonitpur district, while the others hit Udalguri district. The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) reported some damage: two girls were injured when a hostel ceiling collapsed in Udalguri. Several houses in districts like Sonitpur, Biswanath, Darrang, Nalbari, and Hojai suffered cracks on walls and some even faced roof collapses. Residents in faraway Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh felt the tremors too, rushing outdoors in fear, but luckily no major damage or casualties were reported there. Amid the chaos, a heartwarming video has taken the internet by storm! Shared by PTI, it shows brave nurses in an Assam hospital protecting tiny newborn babies while their building shook violently. Their calm, quick action saved the little lives and brought hope in a scary moment. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who had just wrapped up a two-day visit to the region, immediately called Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to check on the situation. Modi assured that the Centre will provide all necessary support. Sarma confirmed that disaster management teams are already on the ground assessing the damage and said, "the situation is under control." To help those affected, Assam government has set up helpline numbers: 1079, 1070, 9401044617, and 1077. The Northeast India lies on a high seismic zone prone to frequent earthquakes, but this recent quake showcased the courage and quick response of frontline workers, especially the heroic nurses who stood firm to protect their tiniest patients.

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Tags: Earthquake, Assam, Aftershocks, Nurses, Newborns, Disaster management,