HINGOLI, Maharashtra – A significant 4.7 magnitude earthquake struck the Marathwada region of Maharashtra on Saturday morning, April 11, 2026, sending residents into a panic and causing minor structural damage in several villages. The National Centre for Seismology (NCS) recorded the tremor at 8:45 a.m. local time. The epicenter was identified near Shirli village in the Vasmat taluka of Hingoli district, at a relatively shallow depth of 10 kilometers below the surface.

While the epicenter was in Hingoli, the jolts were powerful enough to be felt strongly in neighboring Nanded and Parbhani districts. In Nanded, teachers and students in local colleges reported feeling sudden, distinct shaking followed by an unusual rumbling sound, prompting many to flee classrooms for open ground.

"I was sitting in my staffroom when the desk began to rattle. It was confusing at first, but then we realized it was an earthquake and immediately rushed outside," said a college professor in Nanded. Hingoli Collector Rahul Gupta confirmed that while there have been no reports of casualties or major injuries, the earthquake has left its mark on local infrastructure.

In Pangra Shinde village, several residential houses and community halls have reportedly developed visible cracks. District administration teams have been dispatched to the affected areas to assess the extent of the damage and ensure that buildings remain safe for habitation.

In the wake of the tremors, district administrations in Hingoli, Nanded, and Parbhani have been placed on high alert. Emergency response teams are currently on standby as a precautionary measure.

Official safety protocols advise residents to secure tin-sheet roofs by replacing heavy support stones with permanent bolts to eliminate the risk of falling debris during aftershocks. Authorities are also urging the public to remain calm and disregard unverified social media rumors to prevent widespread panic. In the event of further tremors, citizens are instructed to immediately evacuate to open spaces, ensuring they stay clear of old or dilapidated structures.

As of Saturday afternoon, seismologists are monitoring the region for potential aftershocks, though the initial threat appears to have subsided.