Mild Tremors Shake Himachal’s Mandi District; No Damage Reported

Mandi: Mild tremors were felt in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district on Sunday morning at around 9:18 AM, triggering brief panic among local residents. According to the National Center for Seismology, the earthquake measured 3.4 on the Richter scale and originated at a depth of approximately 7 kilometers. The epicenter was identified in the Jaidevi area of Sundernagar sub-division.

Though the tremors prompted many residents to evacuate their homes out of caution, there have been no reports of casualties or property damage. The local administration immediately conducted on-ground inspections and confirmed that the situation remains under control.

Region Witnessed Multiple Earthquakes Over the Past Year

The Sunday morning tremor adds to a growing list of seismic events reported in Himachal Pradesh in the past year, underscoring the vulnerability of the region, which falls under Seismic Zone V — the highest risk zone in India.

• On April 4, 2024, a 5.3 magnitude earthquake struck Chamba district at 9:34 PM, shaking parts of Himachal, Punjab, and Haryana. No damage was reported.
• On October 15, 2024, a 3.3 magnitude quake jolted Mandi district, with the epicenter located between Kullu and Mandi.
• On October 31 and November 4, 2024, Kinnaur district experienced two back-to-back quakes measuring 3.3 and 3.1 in magnitude, respectively.
• On August 2, 2024, a 3.2 magnitude earthquake hit Lahaul and Spiti district, shortly after the region witnessed severe cloudbursts.
• Earlier, on November 20, 2023, a low-intensity 2.9 magnitude earthquake was recorded near Bilaspur, approximately 25 kilometers south of Mandi.

Fortunately, none of these incidents resulted in loss of life or significant property damage. However, the frequency of these tremors has raised concerns among geologists and local residents alike.

Call for Preparedness

Experts continue to stress the importance of earthquake-resilient infrastructure and public awareness, especially in high-risk zones like Himachal Pradesh. The Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA) has reiterated the need for emergency planning, community drills, and structural audits of old buildings.

Residents are advised to remain calm but vigilant, keep emergency kits ready, and follow safety protocols issued by the authorities.

As seismic activity continues to be monitored closely, the recent events serve as a timely reminder of the critical need for preparedness in earthquake-prone regions.

Munish Sood