1950 Assam–Tibet earthquake
| UTC time | 1950-08-15 14:09:34 |
|---|---|
| ISC event | 895681 |
| USGS-ANSS | ComCat |
| Local date | August 15, 1950 |
| Local time | 19:39:34 IST |
| Magnitude | Mw 8.7 |
| Depth | 15 km (9.3 mi) |
| Epicenter | 28°22′N 96°27′E / 28.36°N 96.45°E |
| Fault | Main Himalayan Thrust |
| Type | Oblique-slip |
| Areas affected | Assam, India Tibet, China |
| Max. intensity | MMI XI (Extreme) |
| Casualties | 4,800 |
The 1950 Assam–Tibet earthquake, also known as the Assam earthquake, occurred on 15 August and had a moment magnitude of 8.7. The epicentre was located in the Mishmi Hills. It is one of the strongest earthquakes ever recorded on land.
Occurring on a Tuesday evening at 7:39 PM Indian Standard Time, the earthquake was destructive in both Assam (India) and Tibet (China), and approximately 4,800 people were killed. The earthquake is notable as being the largest recorded quake caused by continental collision rather than subduction, and is also notable for the loud noises produced by the quake and reported throughout the region.