Earthquake Of Magnitude 5.7 Hits Ladakh, No Reports Of Casualties Yet

An earthquake measuring 5.7 on the Richter scale struck Leh in the Union Territory of Ladakh on Monday, according to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS). The tremor was recorded at 11:51 am IST and originated deep beneath the earth's surface at a depth of 171 kilometres.

The NCS said the epicentre of the earthquake was located near Leh, with coordinates at latitude 36.71 north and longitude 74.32 east. Due to the deep origin of the quake, its impact on the surface remained limited.

No Damage or Casualties Reported So Far

There were no immediate reports of damage to property or loss of life following the earthquake. Local authorities said the situation is under control and are keeping a close watch as a precautionary measure. Residents have been advised to remain alert, especially in case of aftershocks.

Emergency response teams in the region have been placed on standby. Officials said regular monitoring is underway to ensure public safety.

Ladakh Lies in Earthquake-Prone Himalayan Zone

The Leh-Ladakh region falls along the Himalayan seismic belt, which is known for frequent seismic activity. Earthquakes of varying intensity are common in this zone due to tectonic plate movements. Authorities regularly conduct preparedness measures to reduce risks during such natural events.

Low-Intensity Earthquake Felt in Delhi Earlier

Earlier on Monday morning, a mild earthquake of magnitude 2.8 was reported in Delhi. According to the NCS, the tremors were felt around 8:44 am. The epicentre was located in North Delhi, and the quake occurred at a shallow depth of 5 kilometres.
No damage or injuries were reported from the Delhi tremor. However, it served as a reminder of the region's vulnerability to seismic activity.

Delhi Falls Under High Seismic Risk Zone

Delhi is classified under Seismic Zone IV, which is the second-highest risk category in the country. The national capital and surrounding NCR region have experienced several low to moderate earthquakes in recent years.

In 2022, a 4.1-magnitude earthquake struck neighbouring Haryana but caused minimal damage. According to data from the US Geological Survey, Delhi has not recorded any earthquake above magnitude 5 in the past decade.