Dehradun: Two mild earthquakes shook Uttarkashi district in Uttarakhand on Friday morning, according to data from the National Centre for Seismology (NCS). No casualties or damage have been reported so far.
Details of the Earthquakes
The first earthquake, measuring 2.7 magnitude, occurred at 7:41 AM with its epicentre near Tiloth. The tremors were felt in Uttarkashi district headquarters and Bhatwadi tehsil.
- Depth: 5 km
The second earthquake, with a magnitude of 3.5, struck at 8:19 AM. Its epicentre was located in the Dayara Bugyal forest area in Bhatwadi tehsil.
- Depth: 5 km
These tremors follow a 5.1 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar near the Manipur border earlier on Friday at 12:53 AM, with its epicentre in Homalin town, Hkamti district.
Uttarakhand: A High-Risk Seismic Zone
Uttarakhand is highly prone to seismic activity, with most areas falling under Zones IV and V of India’s earthquake zonation map:
- Zone V: Districts such as Pithoragarh, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Uttarkashi, and parts of Tehri and Pauri.
- Zone IV: The remaining regions of Uttarakhand.
This vulnerability stems from the ongoing tectonic activity in the Himalayan region, where the Indian plate collides with the Tibetan plate, causing frequent seismic events.
Historical Seismic Activity in Uttarkashi
The Uttarkashi district has witnessed several earthquakes over the years:
- 2024:
- May 7: Magnitude 2.6
- January 18: Magnitudes 2.8 and 2.7
- 2023:
- October 5: Magnitude 3.2
- August 29: Magnitudes 2.8 and 2.5 (Uttarkashi and Bageshwar)
- September 11: Magnitude 2.9
- 1991: The catastrophic Garhwal earthquake, measuring 6.8 magnitude, caused significant damage and loss of life.
Tectonic Setting of the Region
The Himalayas, formed around 50 million years ago, continue to rise by approximately 5 mm annually, leading to frequent tectonic movements. These shifts are responsible for the region’s high seismic activity.
Residents in Uttarkashi remain vigilant following the recent tremors, which serve as a reminder of the region’s vulnerability to earthquakes. Authorities have urged the public to prioritize safety and adhere to disaster preparedness measures.
