Himachal Pradesh Earthquake: 5.0 magnitude quake jolts Chamba and nearby districts

A earthquake measuring 5.0 on the Richter scale struck Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh on Friday night. According to preliminary reports, the tremor occurred at 10:04 pm. The earthquake was felt in Chamba and nearby districts, causing concern among residents. Mild tremors were also reported in the state capital, Shimla.

No immediate reports of casualties or major damage have been received.

Further, a series of earthquakes shook the Dharamshala region, triggering panic among residents, though no loss of life or major property damage was reported.


Seismic activity had begun earlier on Friday as a mild earthquake measuring 2.3 magnitude was recorded near Minkiani Pass in the Dhauladhar ranges, around 16 kilometres from Dharamshala at 8.52 am.

Two more tremors were recorded by authorities later in the night. A 2.8 magnitude earthquake struck at 11.03 pm about 18 kilometres from Dharamshala, followed by a 3.0 magnitude tremor at 11.52 pm near RF Hilang, approximately 23 kilometres from the town.

Kangra district, which houses Dharamshala, falls under Seismic Zone V, the highest earthquake-risk category in India.

The tremors revived memories of the devastating 1905 Kangra earthquake, one of the deadliest in India's history. The earthquake estimated at a magnitude of 7.8, killed more than 20,000 people and destroyed over 100,000 buildings across the mountain region.

Where Was the Epicentre of the Himachal Pradesh Earthquake?

The earthquake's epicentre was located at latitude 32.289°N and longitude 76.434°E. It occurred at a shallow depth of 5 kilometres, according to preliminary data.

Authorities are monitoring the situation.