Telangana Tremors: Residents in Mulugu and Warangal Mistake Earthquake for Monkey Mischief.

In the early hours of Monday, December 4, 2024, residents of Telangana’s Mulugu district were caught off guard by unexpected tremors. Initially, many assumed the disturbance was the result of monkeys causing mischief—a common occurrence in the area. However, as walls began to shake and the ground trembled, it became clear that this was no playful prank but a 5.3 magnitude earthquake.

A. Mangamma, an Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) from SS Tadvai, described the unsettling moment. “I was organizing things at home when the vessels and cot started to move. At first, I thought it was the monkeys, as they often cause trouble here. But when the walls shook, I froze in confusion. It lasted for about a minute,” she said, recalling the surreal experience.

Similarly, A. Trishul, a resident of Mulugu, was resting when he felt the tremors. “I heard the monkeys screeching and thought they were fighting on the roof. But soon I realized something was off. I called my friends, and that’s when I learned it was an earthquake,” he explained.

The tremors were felt across the erstwhile Warangal district, with many residents sharing their surprise and anxiety. Munigala Sudarshan Reddy, an 86-year-old former Village Development Officer (VDO) from Nallabelli village, noted that his chair and table shook violently.

In Hanamkonda’s Teachers Colony, Ramachandram experienced a moment of personal concern. “I was sitting, drinking water when I felt my body tremble. I thought it was a health issue and checked my chest,” he said. “It wasn’t until I watched the news that I realized it was an earthquake.”

A 53-year-old resident of Mathura Street in Kothagudem also described the jarring moment. “I was asleep when I was suddenly jolted awake by the shaking. It was disorienting and frightening,” he shared.

The incident left many residents shaken but relieved that no major damage was reported. Authorities have since urged residents to remain vigilant and be prepared for aftershocks, highlighting the importance of earthquake safety measures. This unexpected event serves as a reminder of nature’s unpredictability, even in regions where such tremors are rare.