Earthquake Shakes Leh-Ladakh Early Morning, 5.5 Magnitude Tremor Recorded

New Delhi: Leh-Ladakh was jolted by a strong earthquake early Thursday morning, triggering tremors across the region. According to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS), the earthquake occurred at around 6:05 AM and measured 5.5 magnitude on the Richter scale.

The tremor has once again highlighted the seismic vulnerability of the Himalayan region, which lies in an active tectonic zone. The Earth’s crust is made up of several major tectonic plates that are constantly moving. When these plates collide or shift against one another, enormous pressure can build up beneath the surface. When that accumulated energy is suddenly released, it causes an earthquake.

What Makes an Earthquake Dangerous?
Earthquake intensity is commonly expressed in terms of magnitude. While smaller tremors may go unnoticed, stronger earthquakes can cause significant damage depending on their depth, location, duration and the vulnerability of buildings in the affected area.

Earthquakes measuring 2.0 or below are generally considered micro-earthquakes and often cannot be felt by people. Tremors of 4.5 magnitude and above can potentially cause damage, particularly to poorly constructed structures. Earthquakes of 7.0 magnitude or higher are considered major and can cause widespread destruction.

Palghar Also Felt Back-to-Back Tremors
Meanwhile, two separate earthquake tremors were reported in Palghar, Maharashtra, on Monday night. Both tremors measured 3.4 magnitude.

The first tremor was recorded at around 10:04 PM, while the second occurred at approximately 11:00 PM, barely 56 minutes later. The consecutive tremors caused panic among residents, with several people rushing out of their homes. However, the situation returned to normal soon after.

The latest tremor in Leh-Ladakh serves as another reminder of the need for earthquake preparedness, particularly in regions located along active seismic zones.