A 5.2 magnitude earthquake struck the Kargil area of Ladakh early Friday morning, triggering tremors that were also felt in parts of Jammu and Kashmir. According to the National Center for Seismology (NCS), the earthquake occurred at 2:50 AM IST, with a depth of 15 kilometers. The tremors were confirmed to have been felt across the region, causing brief alarm among residents.
The NCS confirmed the details of the quake via a social media post: “EQ of M: 5.2, On: 14/03/2025 02:50:05 IST, Lat: 33.37 N, Long: 76.76 E, Depth: 15 Km, Location: Kargil, Ladakh.” While there have been no immediate reports of major damage or casualties, the region's vulnerability to seismic activity remains a cause for concern.
Ladakh is located in Seismic Zone-IV, an area highly prone to earthquakes due to its positioning in the tectonically active Himalayan region. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) categorizes seismic zones across India from Zone V (highest risk) to Zone II (lowest risk). Ladakh's classification in Zone IV places it at significant risk for frequent seismic events.
In a separate incident, a 4.0 magnitude earthquake struck the West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh at 6:00 AM, at a depth of 10 kilometers. These back-to-back tremors highlight the ongoing seismic activity in the region, underscoring the importance of earthquake preparedness for local communities.
Experts continue to monitor the situation, as the Himalayan region remains one of the most seismically active zones in the world.
Source: DNA India
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan