TNR News Network
Dharamshala: A Panic gripped parts of Dharamshala and nearby areas on Monday evening after tremors were reportedly felt in the hill town. According to seismic monitoring platforms, the unconfirmed tremor occurred around 9:29 PM and was minor in intensity. Though the event has not yet been officially confirmed by the National Centre for Seismology (NCS), many residents in the suburbs of Dharamshala and adjoining areas said they felt vibrations lasting a few seconds.
No immediate reports of casualties or damage to property have been received, and officials said that they are monitoring the situation closely. Experts, however, believe the tremor could be linked to the 4.2 magnitude earthquake recorded earlier in the day near Palampur, about 32 kilometers from Dharamshala, at a shallow depth of 10 km.
The incident has once again brought back memories of Dharamshala’s vulnerability to seismic activity. The region lies in Seismic Zone V, which is considered one of the most earthquake-prone belts in the country. The area witnessed one of the most devastating disasters in Indian history in 1905, when the Kangra earthquake of magnitude 7.8 destroyed much of the valley, including McLeodganj and Dharamshala, and claimed nearly 20,000 lives. In more recent memory, a 5.5 magnitude quake jolted the region in 1986, while the 1975 Kinnaur earthquake of 6.8 magnitude also caused widespread landslides and structural damage in Himachal Pradesh.
Monday’s tremors have prompted experts and local authorities to remind residents about the importance of preparedness in high-risk seismic zones. Simple measures such as identifying safe spots in homes, keeping emergency kits ready, and strengthening old constructions are considered crucial steps to minimize risks during such events.
As the administration awaits an official confirmation from geological agencies, people in Dharamshala have been urged to remain calm yet alert. While this tremor may have been minor, the incident serves as a reminder of the ever-present risk of earthquakes in Himachal Pradesh and the need for vigilance in safeguarding lives and infrastructure.
