A mild earthquake of magnitude 4.4 struck the Andaman Sea early on Friday, 205 kilometres north of Sri Vijaya Puram, according to data recorded by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The tremor, which occurred at 3:40 a.m. (IST), was felt lightly in parts of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands but did not cause any reported damage or injury.
The IMD’s National Seismological Network recorded the quake’s epicenter at latitude 13.45°N and longitude 92.46°E, with a focal depth of approximately 25 kilometres beneath the seabed. The earthquake was located roughly 548 km southwest of Yangon and 552 km southwest of Rangoon in Myanmar, as well as about 733 km north-northwest of Campbell Bay in the Nicobar group and 869 km west of Bangkok, Thailand.
Preliminary analysis suggests the event originated within the complex tectonic setting of the Andaman–Nicobar subduction zone, an area where the Indian Plate is gradually sliding beneath the Burma Microplate, part of the larger Sunda Plate. The region is one of the most seismically active zones in the world and frequently experiences mild to moderate tremors due to ongoing tectonic movements along this subduction boundary.
The 4.4 magnitude quake falls under the “light” category, typically causing noticeable vibrations indoors but rarely leading to structural damage. Local authorities and disaster management officials confirmed that there were no immediate reports of damage to property or infrastructure in Sri Vijaya Puram or surrounding islands. Communication networks, electricity supply, and essential services remained unaffected following the tremor.
Residents in some parts of North and Middle Andaman reportedly felt a brief shaking motion lasting a few seconds during the early morning hours. As the depth of the quake was relatively shallow, the tremors may have been perceptible across a small radius around the epicenter, though intensity was low.
Experts said the location of the epicenter in the Andaman Sea is consistent with previous seismic trends in the area. Minor earthquakes in this magnitude range are common and often serve as indicators of gradual tectonic adjustments rather than precursors to larger events. Seismologists continue to monitor the region for aftershocks, but none have been recorded so far.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, situated along the highly active boundary between the Indian and Burmese tectonic plates, are frequently monitored for seismic and tsunami-related activity. The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) and IMD’s Regional Seismological Centre in Sri Vijaya Puram maintain a continuous network of sensors to track undersea movements and issue early warnings in case of significant events.
Authorities reassured the public that there was no tsunami threat associated with the latest tremor. The depth and magnitude were insufficient to trigger sea-level disturbances or generate waves capable of impacting coastal settlements.
While the tremor serves as a reminder of the region’s inherent seismic vulnerability, disaster management experts urged residents to remain aware of safety protocols and to follow official advisories during such occurrences. Regular earthquake preparedness drills, sturdy construction practices, and early warning systems continue to form part of the islands’ disaster response framework.
As of now, the IMD has categorised the event as a minor tectonic earthquake within the Andaman Sea basin. No significant aftershocks or secondary activity have been detected in the 24 hours following the incident, and conditions across the islands remain normal.
