New Delhi: Two separate earthquakes struck the Himalayan region in the early hours of Friday, March 14, with tremors felt across Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Arunachal Pradesh.
Twin Quakes Hit Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh
The first earthquake, measuring 5.2 on the Richter scale, struck Kargil in Ladakh at 2:50 AM IST, according to the National Center for Seismology (NCS). Tremors were felt in nearby areas, including parts of Jammu and Kashmir.
A second tremor followed at 6:01 AM IST in Arunachal Pradesh’s West Kameng district, registering a magnitude of 4.0. Authorities have reported no casualties or significant damage from either earthquake.
Seismic Vulnerability of Ladakh and Arunachal
Both Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh lie in Seismic Zone IV, making them highly susceptible to earthquakes. India is categorized into four seismic zones (II, III, IV, and V) based on expected earthquake intensity, with Zone V being the most earthquake-prone.
Recent Earthquakes in Northeast India
Friday’s tremors follow a series of seismic activities in India’s eastern and northern regions. On February 28, Bihar experienced a 5.5-magnitude earthquake, with tremors felt in Patna, Supaul, Kishanganj, Purnia, Araria, and Katihar. A day earlier, on February 27, a 5.0-magnitude quake jolted Assam’s Morigaon district, with tremors affecting Guwahati and surrounding areas.
Authorities continue to monitor seismic activity in the region, urging preparedness in earthquake-prone areas.
