The Northeastern region of India has recently been classified in the highest earthquake-risk category, with 25 tremors reported in October 2025, the most of any region nationwide. A total of 66 earthquakes occurred across India during this month. The Bureau of Indian Standards has updated the seismic classification, moving the entire Himalayan arc, including the Northeast, to Zone VI, indicating extreme tectonic vulnerability. This change is based on a new Probabilistic Earthquake Hazard Assessment that emphasizes modern data over historical patterns. The updated guidelines mandate stricter seismic designs and improved compliance to enhance resilience against future earthquakes. Approximately 61% of India’s landmass is now in moderate to high seismic-risk zones, necessitating revised building codes. The new national earthquake safety code, IS 1893:2025, introduces a four-zone map and aligns India’s standards with global practices, addressing factors like vertical ground shaking and soil flexibility crucial for disaster preparedness and infrastructure development.
25 earthquakes were recorded in October alone in the Northeast’s highest seismic risk zone
