A sudden and thunderous sound sent waves of panic across multiple areas of Assam’s Golaghat district on the afternoon of May 9, prompting widespread speculation and fear among residents. The loud noise, which reportedly shook windows and startled people, was heard around 3:35 PM in Merapani, Sarupathar, and several adjoining localities, causing confusion and anxiety among locals. In response to the incident, the Golaghat district administration swiftly issued a statement through its official social media channels, suggesting that the loud noise was likely the result of a sonic boom—a phenomenon that occurs when an aircraft or another object breaks the sound barrier, generating a powerful shock wave. “Judging from the intensity of the sound, it appears to have been caused by a sonic boom,” the district administration noted, adding that both the police and civil authorities are actively investigating the matter to confirm the exact cause. Officials have also assured the public that there is no immediate threat and urged everyone to remain calm and not spread panic.
A sonic boom can often be mistaken for an explosion due to its sudden and intense nature. It occurs when an object travels faster than the speed of sound—approximately 343 meters per second at sea level—creating pressure waves that merge into a single shock wave, producing the loud boom. The sound on Thursday was so intense in some areas that residents stepped out of their homes in fear, worried about a possible blast or earthquake. Many took to social media to express concern and seek clarity on what had transpired. Rumors quickly began circulating, but local authorities were quick to respond with preliminary findings.
While such incidents are rare in this region, they are not entirely unheard of, especially in areas close to flight paths of high-speed military aircraft. However, as of now, there has been no official confirmation from any defense agency regarding aircraft activity in the area at the time of the incident. Officials have confirmed that no damage to property or reports of injury have been received so far. “We are in touch with all relevant agencies, including the Indian Air Force, to verify if any supersonic flights took place in the region,” a senior district official said.