A powerful earthquake measuring 5.9 on the Richter scale struck the Chandigarh tricity region and large parts of North India on Friday night, sending panicked residents rushing out of their homes, particularly those living in high-rise buildings and multi-storey housing societies. The tremors were recorded at approximately 9:46 pm IST, with the epicentre located near the Afghanistan-Tajikistan border in the Hindu Kush region, at coordinates 71.01 degrees East and 36.52 degrees North, according to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS).
Depth and Impact
The NCS reported the focal depth at 75 kilometres. Seismologists pointed out that the considerable depth of the hypocentre was responsible for the wide propagation of tremors across the region. The quake was strong enough to be felt across multiple states, yet it did not cause major surface destruction at the epicentre. The shaking lasted several seconds, with light fixtures swaying and household objects rattling in many areas.
Areas Affected
The tremors were felt across a wide swath of North India, including Chandigarh, Mohali, Panchkula, Noida, Ludhiana, Poonch, Srinagar, Udhampur, and Dehradun. Residents in high-rise towers in Chandigarh's sectors and adjoining areas of Mohali reported perceptible shaking, prompting many to evacuate buildings and gather in open spaces. Emergency services were placed on alert, and authorities closely monitored the situation.
No Casualties Reported
As of the time of filing this report, no casualties or structural damage had been reported from Chandigarh, Mohali, or Panchkula. Authorities advised residents to remain calm, avoid using lifts, and move to open spaces in the event of subsequent tremors.
Why Hindu Kush Earthquakes Shake North India
The Hindu Kush region sits atop one of the world's most seismically active zones, where the Indian Plate subducts beneath the Eurasian Plate. This collision generates frequent deep-focus earthquakes. Key fault systems in the zone, including the Herat Fault, Chaman Fault, Main Pamir Thrust, and the Paghman Fault west of Kabul, collectively drive regional shortening and strike-slip motion. Deep-focus quakes in this zone routinely radiate seismic energy across vast distances, enabling tremors to be felt well over 1,000 kilometres away in the plains of North India.
Friday night's event was the second occasion this year that tremors originating in the Afghan Hindu Kush were felt across the region. The NCS continues to monitor seismic activity and provide updates as necessary.
