11 August,2026 01:23 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. File Pic
Maharashtra Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday directed the administration to undertake a comprehensive assessment of seismic activity in Nashik and Palghar districts and intensify awareness campaigns among residents, particularly students, news agency PTI reported.
The directions came after a series of mild earthquakes and tremors were recorded in both districts over the past few days.
A mild earthquake followed by tremors struck Nashik on August 8 and 9, causing cracks in the walls of houses in some areas of the district. Two mild tremors also hit Palghar within an hour on Monday night.
The issue came up for discussion at the state cabinet meeting on Tuesday.
Fadnavis said a study by the Centre for Seismic Technology was already underway but directed the authorities to rope in additional reputed institutions to conduct a more comprehensive assessment of the situation.
The CM also stressed the need to create greater awareness among residents about earthquakes and appropriate safety measures, PTI sources said.
Fadnavis specifically directed authorities to conduct awareness programmes for students to ensure they are equipped to respond appropriately during seismic events.
An earthquake of 4.3 magnitude struck Nashik on the night of August 8, followed by a 3.3-magnitude tremor the next morning.
The tremors occurred at a depth of 5 km in the Bhanwad area, close to the Hatgad mountain range near the Maharashtra-Gujarat border.
Tremors were felt in parts of Nashik city and the district, triggering panic among residents, many of whom rushed out of their homes.
Cracks developed in the walls of houses in Bhadar in Surgana taluka and Nanashi in Dindori taluka of Nashik, located around 180 km from Mumbai.
Two tremors of magnitude 3.4 struck Maharashtra's Palghar district within an hour, officials said on Tuesday.
No casualties or property damage have been reported, the officials told news agency PTI.
The first tremor was recorded at 10.04 pm on Monday, followed by another of the same intensity at 11 pm, according to the district information office.
District Disaster Management Cell chief Vivekanand Kadam, while briefing about the situation, said that the seismic activity occurred at a depth of 5 km in Jawhar taluka.
While the quick succession of tremors created anxiety among residents, no loss of life or structural damage occurred in the district, officials said.
Kadam added, "Local authorities and disaster management teams were closely monitoring the situation."
Palghar, located in coastal Maharashtra, has experienced low-intensity tremors over the years. Authorities have appealed to people to stay calm and follow standard safety protocols.
Last month, three tremors hit the district, which is located about 100 km from Mumbai.
(With PTI inputs)
