TNR News Network
Dharamshala
A mild earthquake shook parts of Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh late Monday night, reigniting concerns about the region’s increasing seismic vulnerability. According to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS), the tremor measured 3.6 on the Richter scale and struck 56 kilometers north of Dharamshala at 9:28 PM.
The quake originated at a depth of 10 kilometers, a relatively shallow depth that can often intensify the perceived impact at the surface. However, no reports of casualties or significant damage to property have been received so far.
This minor quake comes amid growing warnings from top Indian seismologists about the potential for major earthquakes in the Himalayan region. Dr. N Purnachandra Rao, Chief Scientist and Seismologist at the National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI), recently cautioned that the Indian tectonic plate’s northward movement at a rate of 5 cm per year is causing stress to accumulate along the Himalayan fault lines — particularly in regions like Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
“The region between Himachal and western Nepal, including Uttarakhand, is considered a seismic gap and is particularly vulnerable. Earthquakes of larger magnitudes may strike here at any time,” Dr. Rao warned in an earlier statement.
Uttarakhand currently maintains a network of 18 seismograph stations, helping scientists monitor the region’s geophysical activity closely. However, experts continue to emphasize the importance of preparedness, earthquake-resistant infrastructure, and public awareness to mitigate the risks of major disasters.
Local authorities in Dharamshala have advised residents to remain alert and report any signs of structural damage. No aftershocks have been recorded at the time of this report.
