An earthquake with a magnitude of 5.0 jolted several parts of Himachal Pradesh on Friday night, with geologists attributing the seismic activity to a transfer fault feature. While this type of tectonic phenomenon is generally considered less destructive than a major fault rupture, experts have cautioned against complacency, emphasizing the continued vulnerability of the Kangra region to significant seismic events.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the earthquake occurred at 10:04 PM on Friday. The seismic event’s epicentre was located in the Dhauladhar mountains of the Chamba region at a shallow depth of 5 kilometres. The tremors were strongly felt across the districts of Kangra, Chamba, Hamirpur, Mandi, and Una, causing panic among residents who rushed out of their homes and buildings.
Although no loss of life has been reported, the earthquake caused damage to several structures in various parts of Kangra district, including Dharamshala, Shahpur, and Palampur. Cracks were observed in multiple buildings, and authorities are currently undertaking a comprehensive assessment of the extent of the damage.
Following the main earthquake, a series of mild aftershocks were recorded. Data from the National Centre for Seismology indicated tremors measuring 2.8 and 3.0 on the Richter scale at 11:03 PM and 11:52 PM on Friday, respectively. Seismic activity continued into Saturday, with two more minor shocks of magnitudes 2.1 and 2.3 recorded at 11:55 AM and 11:59 AM.
These aftershocks occurred at depths ranging from 2.1 kilometres to 10 kilometres, with their epicentres situated in close proximity to that of the main quake. Experts have noted that such aftershocks are a typical geological response as the Earth’s crust adjusts to the stress released by the initial earthquake.
Professor Ambrish Kumar Mahajan, Head of the Department of Geology at the Central University of Himachal Pradesh (CUHP) in Dharamshala, stated that the sequence of earthquakes appears to be associated with a transfer fault feature. He explained that such features facilitate stress adjustments between larger fault systems within the Earth’s crust.
Professor Mahajan elaborated on the nature of the seismic waves observed, noting that the vibration pattern suggested they were not predominantly horizontal and did not propagate over an extensive area. This observation supports the assessment that the event was linked to a transfer fault mechanism, as opposed to a major fault rupture. He added that these types of mechanisms tend to release accumulated tectonic stress through moderate seismic events, which are generally less destructive.
Despite the moderate nature of the recent tremors, Professor Mahajan issued a strong warning against any reduction in vigilance regarding seismic risk. He highlighted that the Kangra region is situated within India’s highest earthquake hazard category. This area has a historical record of devastating earthquakes, most notably the 1905 Kangra earthquake, which resulted in the deaths of over 20,000 people.
The professor emphasized that while earthquakes cannot be predicted or prevented, their impact can be significantly mitigated. He underscored the critical importance of strictly adhering to earthquake-resistant construction practices. All new constructions, he stressed, must comply with established seismic safety standards to ensure structural integrity during seismic events.
Furthermore, Professor Mahajan recommended that older buildings should undergo regular structural audits to identify and address any potential vulnerabilities. He reiterated that the recent earthquake sequence serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing tectonic activity in the Himalayan region. Preparedness, he concluded, remains the most effective defence against the potential threat of a future high-intensity earthquake.
The Chenab Times News Desk