Tremors felt in Andaman and Nicobar, 4.4 on Richter scale

Earthquake tremors were felt in Campbell Bay, Andaman and Nicobar late Monday night. According to the National Center for Seismology, the tremors of the earthquake were felt at around 1:11 pm. The magnitude of the earthquake was measured at 4.4 on the Richter scale. The National Center for Seismology has confirmed the earthquake.

How does an earthquake happen?

The main reason for the occurrence of earthquakes is the collision of plates inside the earth. There are seven plates inside the earth which are constantly rotating. When these plates collide at some place, there is a fault line zone and the corners of the surface are twisted. Due to the twisting of the corners of the surface, pressure builds up there and the plates start breaking. Due to the breaking of these plates, the energy inside finds a way out, due to which the earth shakes and we consider it an earthquake.

Earthquake intensity

Earthquakes with a magnitude of less than 2.0 on the Richter scale are categorized as micro and these earthquakes are not felt. 8,000 earthquakes of the micro category on the Richter scale are recorded daily around the world. Similarly, earthquakes of magnitude 2.0 to 2.9 are kept in the minor category. 1000 such earthquakes occur every day, even we do not normally feel it. Very light category earthquakes of magnitude 3.0 to 3.9 are recorded 49,000 times in a year. They are felt but hardly any harm is done by them.

Light category earthquakes with a magnitude of 4.0 to 4.9 are recorded on the Richter scale about 6,200 times a year around the world. These tremors are felt and can be seen shaking of household items. However, they cause negligible damage.