5.3-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Chamba District in Himachal Pradesh

Tremors were felt across parts of north India late Thursday evening as a 5.3-magnitude earthquake struck the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. The seismic event, which occurred at a depth of 10 km in Pangi, has disrupted communication networks in villages close to the epicenter. Additional Chief Secretary Revenue and Disaster, Onkar Sharma, confirmed that teams have been dispatched to assess the situation. The impact of the earthquake, including any potential damages or casualties, remains unclear due to the communication breakdown.

The National Center for Seismology (NCS) and officials in Shimla reported that the earthquake hit at 9.34 pm. Chamba, situated approximately 370 km from the state capital, is located in one of the highest damage risk zones in the Himalayan region. This area has a history of significant seismic activity, including a devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake in 1905 which resulted in over 20,000 fatalities and extensive property damage across Himachal Pradesh.

According to Sharma, Thursday's quake was felt strongly and for an extended period in Chamba, especially near the epicenter in Pangi. Historical records reveal that this region has experienced similar seismic events in the past, including a 6-magnitude earthquake that affected the Chamba-Udhampur area in 1951 and again in 1962. More recently, in 2004, a 5.1-magnitude earthquake struck Himachal Pradesh's Bharmaur area.

Residents in other parts of Himachal Pradesh as well as neighboring regions including Chandigarh and parts of Punjab and Haryana also reported feeling mild tremors. Sanjay Kumar, a resident of Chandigarh, described experiencing a strong jolt lasting a few seconds before it subsided.

The Himalayan region is known for its seismic vulnerability due to its geographical positioning near tectonic plate boundaries. Historical data from NCS highlights the susceptibility of this area to earthquakes, with significant loss of life and property recorded over the years. The 1905 Kangra earthquake serves as a stark reminder of the potential for large-scale destruction. It not only claimed thousands of lives but also resulted in substantial damage to over one lakh buildings in Dharamshala, Kangra, Mcleodganj, and surrounding areas while also leading to the death of approximately 53,000 domestic animals.

The recent earthquake in Chamba underscores the ongoing risk faced by residents living in these high-seismic zones. As authorities work to assess and respond to the latest seismic event, the importance of preparedness and resilient infrastructure in mitigating the impact of such natural disasters is once again brought to the forefront.