Twin tremors rattle Ladakh, Kishtwar; no loss reported

Srinagar, Dec 26: Two mild-intensity earthquakes struck Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir early Tuesday, causing minor tremors.

However, there have been no immediate reports of any damage due to the seismic activity, officials said.

The earthquakes occurred in Ladakh’s Leh district and Jammu’s Kishtwar district, with the National Centre of Seismology (NCS) providing details on both incidents.

In Ladakh, an earthquake with a magnitude of 4.5 hit at 4:33 am. The epicentre was located in Leh district, with a depth of 5 km below the earth's surface at coordinates 34.73 degrees latitude and 77.07 degrees longitude.

Although the tremors were felt by residents in both Kargil and Leh districts, local authorities and Police reported no significant damage or incidents.

According to the NCS, another earthquake with a magnitude of 3.7 occurred at 1:10 am in Kishtwar district. The earthquake's depth was recorded at 5 km from the surface, situated at coordinates 33.36 degrees latitude and 76.67 degrees longitude.

Fortunately, no casualties or substantial damage were reported in Kishtwar, easing concerns among the local population.

The seismic events serve as a reminder of J&K's and Ladakh's susceptibility to earthquakes, necessitating ongoing preparedness measures and public awareness campaigns.