A moderate earthquake measuring 5.7 on the Richter scale struck the Ladakh region in northwestern Kashmir on Monday, triggering tremors across parts of the Union Territory. According to the National Center for Seismology (NCS), the quake occurred at 11:51:14 am, with its epicenter located in the Leh–Ladakh region at a depth of 171 kilometers.
Despite the noticeable tremors, there were no immediate reports of loss of life or damage to property. Local authorities and disaster management agencies said the situation is being closely monitored and urged residents to remain alert, especially in view of the possibility of aftershocks.
Officials stated that emergency response teams have been kept on standby, while communication lines with district administrations remain active to assess any delayed impact in remote or high-altitude areas. Residents in several parts of Ladakh and adjoining regions reported feeling mild shaking, but panic situations were largely avoided.
Region Lies in a High Seismic Zone
The latest tremor comes amid heightened seismic activity in the broader Himalayan region. Just a day earlier, an earthquake of magnitude 4.1 was recorded in Afghanistan, underscoring the region’s vulnerability to tectonic movements. The Indian Himalayan belt, including Ladakh and Kashmir, lies in a seismically active zone due to the ongoing collision between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates.
Experts note that while deeper earthquakes—such as the one recorded on Monday—generally cause less surface damage compared to shallow quakes, they can still be widely felt across large areas. Shallow earthquakes are typically more destructive because seismic waves have less distance to travel before reaching the surface, resulting in stronger ground shaking.
Afghanistan, which also lies in a highly active seismic zone, has witnessed multiple tremors in recent days. NCS data shows that a magnitude 4.2 earthquake struck the region on January 15 at a depth of 96 km, followed by a magnitude 3.8 tremor on January 14 at a depth of 90 km.
Authorities across the region have reiterated the need for preparedness and public awareness, advising people to follow standard safety protocols during earthquakes and remain cautious until seismic activity subsides.
