A moderate earthquake measuring 4.8 on the Richter scale struck Himachal Pradesh on Saturday as tremors hit several districts in the hill state and sent residents rushing out of their homes, offices and commercial buildings in a panic. The tremors were felt in Shimla, Mandi, Kangra, Kullu and other districts and caused brief panic in the area.
According to quick analyses of the earthquake by seismic monitoring agencies, it originated at a moderate depth beneath the Earth’s surface. Although strong enough to be felt by tens of thousands of people, there were no immediate reports of any damage or loss of life.
Residents reported the shaking of buildings as well as the rattling of windows and swaying of ceiling fans. Most people evacuated buildings and came out into the open spaces until the tremors subsided. Emergency response teams and local administration officials have advised residents to remain calm and take safety precautions in case of aftershocks, to have a plan, and to go to the police and fire department in case of aftershocks.
Himachal Pradesh lies in a seismically active region of northern India and often experiences low to moderate intensity earthquakes due to tectonic activity in the Himalayan belt. Experts have stressed that earthquake preparedness and building safety standards in the least developed areas are of importance.
There are no significant disruptions to transportation, communication or essential services so far. Local officials are still monitoring the situation, and residents are advised to be vigilant and to consult with official sources for updates.
