A series of earthquakes struck the Indian Ocean on Thursday, with the National Centre for Seismology (NCS) confirming three significant tremors — magnitudes 6.4, 5.3, and 4.8 — all occurring at a shallow depth of just 10 km. This depth, experts say, makes the region more vulnerable to strong aftershocks.
Magnitude 5.3 Quake Reported by NCS
The most recent earthquake, measuring 5.3 on the Richter scale, struck the Indian Ocean at 11:02:45 IST.
According to the NCS, the tremor was recorded at Latitude 1.30°N, Longitude 96.87°E, with a depth of 10 km.
EQ of M: 5.3, On: 27/11/2025 11:02:45 IST, Lat: 1.30 N, Long: 96.87 E, Depth: 10 Km, Location: Indian Ocean.
— National Center for Seismology (@NCS_Earthquake) November 27, 2025
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In its post on X, the agency wrote:
“EQ of M: 5.3, On: 27/11/2025 11:02:45 IST, Lat: 1.30 N, Long: 96.87 E, Depth: 10 Km, Location: Indian Ocean.”
Earlier 6.4-Magnitude Quake Rattles Region
Earlier in the morning, a 6.4-magnitude earthquake shook the same region at 10:26:25 IST, also at a depth of 10 km.
The coordinates shared by NCS were 2.99°N, 96.23°E.
EQ of M: 6.4, On: 27/11/2025 10:26:25 IST, Lat: 2.99 N, Long: 96.23 E, Depth: 10 Km, Location: Indian Ocean.
— National Center for Seismology (@NCS_Earthquake) November 27, 2025
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NCS posted:
“EQ of M: 6.4, On: 27/11/2025 10:26:25 IST, Lat: 2.99 N, Long: 96.23 E, Depth: 10 Km, Location: Indian Ocean.”
Another Tremor of Magnitude 4.8
EQ of M: 4.8, On: 27/11/2025 01:24:24 IST, Lat: 0.76 N, Long: 96.95 E, Depth: 10 Km, Location: Indian Ocean.
— National Center for Seismology (@NCS_Earthquake) November 26, 2025
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In the early hours of the day, another tremor of 4.8 magnitude was recorded at 01:24:24 IST, again at a shallow depth of 10 km.
The location was pinpointed at Latitude 0.76°N, Longitude 96.95°E.
The NCS shared:
“EQ of M: 4.8, On: 27/11/2025 01:24:24 IST, Lat: 0.76 N, Long: 96.95 E, Depth: 10 Km, Location: Indian Ocean.”
Why Shallow Earthquakes Are More Dangerous
Seismologists warn that shallow earthquakes pose a higher threat than deeper ones.
Because seismic waves travel a shorter distance to the Earth’s surface, the ground shaking tends to be far more intense, increasing the risk of:
- Severe structural damage
- Landslides (in vulnerable regions)
- Higher casualties
- Strong aftershocks
Historical Reference: The 2004 Indian Ocean Megaquake
The region’s seismic vulnerability brings back memories of one of the deadliest natural disasters in recorded history.
On December 26, 2004, at 07:58:53 local time, a magnitude 9.2–9.3 megathrust earthquake struck off the west coast of Aceh, northern Sumatra. Known scientifically as the Sumatra-Andaman earthquake, it resulted from a rupture along the boundary between the Burma and Indian tectonic plates. Some areas recorded a Mercalli intensity of IX, indicating violent ground shaking.
The earthquake triggered a catastrophic tsunami with waves as high as 30 meters (100 feet). Termed the Boxing Day Tsunami or Asian Tsunami, it devastated coastlines in 14 countries, including:
- Indonesia (especially Aceh)
- Sri Lanka
- Tamil Nadu, India
- Thailand (Khao Lak)
An estimated 227,898 people lost their lives, making it:
- The deadliest tsunami in history
- The deadliest natural disaster of the 21st century
- Among the deadliest natural disasters ever recorded
The massive destruction caused long-term disruption to livelihoods, trade, and infrastructure across multiple coastal nations.