A series of earthquakes jolted the Dharamshala region in Himachal Pradesh on Saturday, causing brief panic among residents but no reports of damage or casualties. The tremors, which occurred within a span of a few hours, were felt across the districts of Kangra, Chamba, and adjoining areas.
Details of the Seismic Activity
The first earthquake, with a magnitude of 4.3 on the Richter scale, struck at around 4:15 AM IST. It originated at a depth of 22.5 kilometers, according to the National Center for Seismology. A second tremor, measuring 3.8 magnitude, followed at 5:30 AM, and a third, the strongest at magnitude 5.2, occurred at 6:45 AM. The epicenter of all three quakes was located near Dharamshala, approximately 15 kilometers northeast of the city.
Impact and Response
Local authorities reported that no structural damage or injuries have been recorded so far. Residents rushed out of their homes as a precautionary measure, but normalcy returned after the tremors subsided. The district administration has issued an advisory urging people to stay alert and follow safety protocols. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been put on standby.
The region lies in Seismic Zone IV, which is classified as a high-risk area for earthquakes. Experts attribute the activity to the ongoing tectonic movements along the Main Boundary Thrust in the Himalayas. Officials continue to monitor the situation closely.
