Nagaland, 77km southeast of Mokokchung, an earthquake of a moderate magnitude of 4.2 struck at 1006 hours. The earthquake occurred at a shallow depth of 10 km beneath the epicenter in the morning on Sunday 21 March 2021 at 10:36 am local time reported by the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC).
The earthquake occurred in Hkamti District, Sagaing Region, 53 kilometers southeast of Tuensang, Nagaland, India, on Sunday, 21 Mar 2021 11:06 am (GMT +6:30). The exact magnitude, epicenter, and depth of the quake can be determined within the next few hours or minutes as seismologists review data and refine their calculations, or as other agencies issue their reports.
Towns or cities near the epicenter where the quake might have been felt as very weak shaking include Tuensang (pop. 33,700) located 53 km from the epicenter, Zunheboto (pop. 29,500) 58 km away, Phek (pop. 15,100) 62 km away, Mokokchūng (pop. 34,000) 77 km away, Wokha (pop. 54,000) 87 km away, Mon (pop. 18,700) 99 km away, and Kohima (pop. 92,100) 99 km away.
Nagaland lies in seismic zone V and hence, falls under a very high damage risk zone. The natural tectonic setting makes Nagaland prone to Earthquakes resulting in loss of life and properties.
What to Do During an Earthquake per National Disaster Management Authority of the Government of India
If indoors
DROP to the ground; take COVER by getting under a sturdy table or other pieces of furniture; and HOLD ON until the shaking stops. If there is no table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.
Protect yourself by staying under the lintel of an inner door, in the corner of a room, under a table or even under a bed.
Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, (such as lighting fixtures or furniture).
Stay in bed if you are there when the earthquake strikes. Hold on and protect your head with a pillow, unless you are under a heavy light fixture that could fall. In that case, move to the nearest safe place.
Use a doorway for shelter only if it is in close proximity to you and if you know it is a strongly supported, load-bearing doorway.
Stay inside until the shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Research has shown that most injuries occur when people inside buildings attempt to move to a different location inside the building or try to leave.
Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn on.
If outdoors
Do not move from where you are. However, move away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and utility wires.
If you are in an open space, stay there until the shaking stops. The greatest danger exists directly outside buildings; at exits; and alongside exterior walls. Most earthquake-related casualties result from collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects.
If in a moving vehicle
Stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires.
Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped. Avoid roads, bridges, or ramps that might have been damaged by the earthquake.
If trapped under debris
Do not light a match.
Do not move about or kick up dust.
Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing.
Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. Use a whistle if one is available. Shout only as a last resort. Shouting can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.