NGRI adds two more seismographs to locate epicenter of micro-earthquakes

HYDERABAD: Seismology experts from National Geophysical Research Institute(NGRI) on Monday said that micro-earthquakes being experienced at Borabonda and surrounding areas will continue for a few more months.  NGRI has not ruled out an earthquake, but assured that it will be less than 2.0 magnitude and people should not panic. The CSIR institute has, on Monday, placed two more seismograph stations to detect the epicenter of micro-earthquakes that were experienced by residents of Borabanda the past two weeks.  On Saturday evening, the NGRI experts had placed two seismograph stations which recorded 16 micro-earthquakes in a span of just 13 hours. However, these two stations did not prove enough to pinpoint epicenter of these earthquakes and the depth beneath the ground from where the emerged.
With addition of two more seismograph stations, the location of epicenter can be further constrained, said

Dr Srinagesh Davuluri, Chief Scientist, Head, Seismology Observatory, NGRI. Even the earlier placed two seismographs will be relocated to pinpoint the epicenter.  “The challenge has begun for us to relocate the seismograph stations and come closer to the epicenter and encircle it.This data will prove useful for future scientific purposes.” said Dr Davaluri.

The instruments will be kept in the locations for two months and are calibrated to record any underground movement which the people might not realize, to understand if there is any active fault in the region. The scientist said that he has been getting calls from people tensed about the situation. He said, “The people are traumatised and their apprehensions are understandable. More sensitisation is required to inform the people that there cannot be any major earthquake in the area. Even if there is an earthquake, it will be less than 2.0 magnitude.”

Mild tremors reported

While the NGRI seismographs did not record any earthquake on Monday, residents of Rahmath Nagar and Borabanda complained about mild tremors being felt
Micro-earthquakes due to hydroseismicity, wherein earthquakes can be caused due to sudden extreme rainfalls, can sometimes continue to occur over a period of few days, months or even years, said Dr Davuluri
Giving an example he said that in Nanded, Maharashtra mild tremors were recorded for five consecutive years beneath the Nanded Collectorate after extreme rains stopped in 2006