A recent study suggests that an earthquake occurring approximately 2,500 years ago may have caused a significant shift in the course of the Ganga river, researchers reported.

According to the study published, the seismic event, estimated to be of magnitude 7-8, is believed to have rerouted the main channel of the Ganga river in what is now Bangladesh, a region prone to substantial seismic activity.

Michael Steckler, a geophysicist at Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Columbia Climate School, US, and co-author of the study, commented, “I don’t think we have ever seen such a big one (earthquake) anywhere.”

The findings highlight the potential impact of past seismic events on the geographical landscape, underscoring the vulnerability of regions like Bangladesh to major seismic shocks. The study sheds light on the complex interactions between tectonic activity and river systems, offering insights into historical environmental changes.

Further research is expected to delve deeper into the consequences of this ancient earthquake on the region’s hydrology and landscape evolution, providing valuable insights into natural hazards and their long-term effects.