Two earthquakes hit Uttarkashi district in Uttarakhand on Friday morning, according to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS). The earthquakes measured 2.7 and 3.5 in magnitude. Fortunately, no damage or injuries were reported.
The first earthquake, with a magnitude of 2.7, occurred at 7:41 a.m., about 5 km below the surface. The second earthquake, measuring 3.5, struck at 8:19 a.m. at the same depth. Both events were confirmed by the NCS, which monitors earthquake activity across India.
Officials said the first earthquake’s tremors were felt in Uttarkashi town and nearby areas like Bhatwadi tehsil, with the epicenter near Tiloth. The second earthquake was felt in the forest area of Dayara Bugyal, also in Bhatwadi tehsil.
Earthquakes are common in Uttarakhand because of the region's location in a high-risk seismic zone.
Uttarkashi district has experienced several earthquakes in recent years. For example:
- On September 6, 2023, a 3.0 magnitude earthquake hit the district.
- On May 7, 2024, a 2.6 magnitude earthquake was recorded.
- Earlier in 2024, on January 18, two earthquakes of magnitudes 2.8 and 2.7 were reported in Uttarkashi.
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One of the biggest earthquakes in Uttarkashi’s history occurred in October 1991. Known as the Garhwal earthquake, it had a magnitude of 6.8 and caused significant damage.
Uttarakhand lies in earthquake-prone zones IV and V of India’s seismic map. Districts like Uttarkashi, Pithoragarh, Chamoli, and Rudraprayag are at higher risk because of the ongoing movement of the Indian tectonic plate under the Tibetan plate.
This geological activity also makes the Himalayas rise about 5 mm every year, contributing to frequent earthquakes in the region.
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