Investigations of June 7, 1988 earthquake of magnitude 4.5 near Idukki Dam in Southern India

A mildly damaging earthquake of magnitude 4.5 and intensity VI occurred 20 km east of the Idukki reservoir, Kerala in southern India. With a network of 5 seismic stations, the aftershocks which continued for 3 1/2 months were monitored. The hypocentral parameters, b value,M₁/M₀ ratio indicate that this earthquake sequence does not qualify to be categorized as induced. The trend of the aftershocks, composite fault plane solution and local tectonics point towards reactivation of a NW-SE fault along the Kallar river. The existence of such a fault is also supported by gravity studies.