5.7 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Ladakh, Tremors Felt Across Jammu and Kashmir

A 5.7 magnitude earthquake struck the Ladakh region on Monday morning, with tremors felt across Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir. Authorities have confirmed that no casualties or property damage have been reported so far.

According to the local Meteorological Department, the earthquake occurred at 11:51 a.m., with its epicentre near Leh in Ladakh. Mukhtar Ahmad, Director of the MET Department, stated that the quake was recorded at latitude 36.71° North and longitude 74.32° East, occurring at a depth of 171 kilometres inside the Earth’s crust.

Residents across parts of Ladakh and the Kashmir Valley reported feeling tremors of varying intensity, prompting momentary concern. However, officials have assured the public that the situation remains under control, with no immediate reports of loss of life or damage to infrastructure.

Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir lie in seismically sensitive zones, making earthquakes a recurring natural phenomenon in the region. While Monday’s quake was moderate in strength, it served as a reminder of the area’s vulnerability to seismic activity.

A reminder of past devastation

The region has previously witnessed devastating earthquakes. On October 8, 2005, a massive 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, causing widespread destruction across PoK, parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Jammu and Kashmir.

That earthquake was among the deadliest natural disasters of the decade, claiming tens of thousands of lives, leaving millions homeless, and being felt as far away as Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and China’s Xinjiang region.

While today’s earthquake caused no reported damage, authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and have urged residents to remain alert and follow standard safety guidelines in the event of aftershocks.