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Over the past few weeks, Mizoram has been experiencing frequent earthquakes. the state experienced at least eight moderate earthquakes between June 21 and July 9. The tremors ranged from 4.2 to 5.5 on the Richter scale.
The epicentre of most of these quakes was beneath Champhai district bordering Myanmar.
According to a geologist, the state is caught between two subterranean faults.
Churachandpur Mao Fault and the Mat Fault
According to Dr. Saitluanga, who teaches geology at the Pachhunga University College in Aizawl, earthquakes have happened and will happen in that part of Mizoram because it is caught between two geological faults. These are the Churachandpur Mao Fault and the Mat Fault.
Churachandpur Mao Fault: The Churachandpur Mao Fault is named after two places in Manipur and runs north-south into Myanmar along the border of Champhai.
Mat Fault: The Mat Fault runs northwest-southeast across Mizoram, beneath river Mat near Serchhip.
What are Faults?
Faults are discontinuities or cracks that are the result of differential motion within the earth’s crust.
Vertical or lateral slippage of the crust along the faults causes an earthquake.
(Source: The Hindu)
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