A 5.2 magnitude earthquake struck Kargil in Ladakh early Friday morning, causing tremors felt across Jammu and Kashmir. Another earthquake hit Arunachal Pradesh soon after.
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| Ladakh’s Kargil region experienced a 5.2 magnitude earthquake early on March 14, 2025, followed by a 4.0 magnitude tremor in Arunachal Pradesh. Both regions are seismically active. Image: ChicHue |
Kargil, Ladakh, India – March 14, 2025:
A 5.2 magnitude earthquake struck Kargil in Ladakh in the early hours of March 14, 2025, sending tremors that were felt across Jammu and Kashmir. The National Center for Seismology (NCS) confirmed the quake occurred at approximately 2:50 AM IST at a depth of 15 kilometers, with the epicenter located in Kargil, one of the most seismically active regions in India.
As the tremors shook the region, people in Kargil and surrounding areas rushed to check for damages, though initial reports suggest no significant structural damage or casualties. The NCS confirmed the details via a social media post, stating: “EQ of M: 5.2, On: 14/03/2025 02:50:05 IST, Lat: 33.37 N, Long: 76.76 E, Depth: 15 Km, Location: Kargil, Ladakh.” The earthquake’s impact was particularly felt in Jammu and Kashmir, where residents reported brief but strong shaking.
Ladakh is located in Seismic Zone IV, making it highly vulnerable to earthquakes due to its position in the tectonically active Himalayan region. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has classified seismic zones across India, with Zone V representing the highest risk. Ladakh, classified as Zone IV, regularly experiences moderate to strong seismic events.
Meanwhile, shortly after the Kargil quake, a 4.0 magnitude earthquake struck the West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh around 6:00 AM at a depth of 10 kilometers. This additional seismic activity further underscores the region’s susceptibility to frequent tremors.
Experts have long warned of the dangers posed by the Himalayan fault lines, which remain among the most seismically active in the world. Although significant infrastructure damage has not been reported, these events highlight the importance of earthquake preparedness in such high-risk areas.
Local authorities continue to monitor aftershocks, and the Indian government, along with geologists, are assessing the impact of these tremors. As seismic activity in the region continues, there is an increased focus on improving early warning systems and disaster response protocols.