Mild Earthquake Jolts Bhadradri Kothagudem District

Kothagudem: A mild earthquake shook parts of Telangana’s Bhadradri Kothagudem district during the early hours of Sunday, causing brief panic among residents who were woken up by the tremors. No casualties, injuries, or structural damages have been reported from any part of the district.

According to officials and local reports, the seismic activity occurred around 4:45 AM on Sunday. The tremors, which lasted for a few seconds, were primarily felt in and around the coal belt towns and surrounding villages, including areas near Kothagudem, Paloncha, and Laxmidevipalli.

Many residents reported hearing a low, rumbling sound followed by the distinct shaking of household items, utensils, and furniture. “I woke up to a strange rattling sound of windows and plates in the kitchen. For a moment, we didn’t realize what it was, but when the bed shook slightly, we panicked and rushed out of the house,” said K. Srinivas, a resident of Paloncha.

In several neighborhoods, anxious families gathered on the streets in their nightwear, fearing potential aftershocks. They remained outside for nearly an hour before returning to their homes after the situation calmed down.

Because the district houses extensive underground and open-cast coal mines belonging to the Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL), local authorities are verifying whether the vibrations were purely tectonic or linked to localized mining dynamics. However, initial assessments point toward a minor, low-intensity natural seismic event.

District administration officials confirmed that the situation is completely under control and being closely monitored. Revenue and police officials in the respective mandals have been directed to stay alert, though they have urged citizens not to panic or spread baseless rumors on social media, as the intensity was very low and completely harmless.