Earthquake Shakes Northern India
A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 6.2 shook northeastern Afghanistan on Saturday evening, creating noticeable tremors across various areas, including Chandigarh, Mohali, Panchkula, Ludhiana, and much of Punjab and Haryana. Thankfully, there were no immediate reports of injuries or building damage, but many residents felt alarmed.
The earthquake struck at 7:04 PM IST, with its epicenter located 215 kilometers deep in the earth, as stated by the National Centre for Seismology. The US Geological Survey confirmed the epicenter as being 43 kilometers south of Jurm in northeastern Afghanistan.
Tremors were experienced not only in Chandigarh but also in nearby cities like Noida, Srinagar, Udhampur, and Dehradun. Residents of high-rise buildings reported swaying lights and rattling household items, prompting many people to hurriedly exit their buildings in fear.
As of now, emergency services remain on standby, and authorities are keeping a close eye on the situation. People are being urged to stay calm, avoid using elevators, and head to open areas if further shaking occurs.
A Recurring Pattern
This earthquake marks the second significant seismic event in the region within a month. A 5.9-magnitude quake earlier this month also caused panic, especially among those living in high-rise apartments. Saturday’s earthquake was stronger, but its greater depth meant that its effects were somewhat less severe at the surface.
The Hindu Kush region is known for its deep-focus earthquakes, which occur frequently due to the complex tectonic activity between the Indian and Eurasian Plates. These deep seismic events can be felt far from the epicenter, affecting populations in northern India, including parts of Punjab and Haryana, without causing much visible damage.
Chandigarh and its surrounding areas lie in a zone with heightened seismic sensitivity. Classified as Seismic Zone IV, this region is recognized as having a high risk for earthquake damage, underscoring the importance of earthquake-resistant construction as urban development continues.
Recent Seismic Activity
Saturday’s earthquake is part of a broader pattern of seismic activity in the area. In the previous weeks, several earthquakes, including one with a magnitude of 5.5 in Pakistan, have been recorded. Just a day before, a 5.8-magnitude quake hit near eastern Honshu in Japan.
Key Details of the Earthquake:
- Magnitude: 6.2
- Time: 7:04 PM IST, June 28
- Epicenter: 43 km south of Jurm, northeastern Afghanistan
- Depth: 215 km (deep-focus, reducing surface impact)
- Felt in: Chandigarh, Mohali, Panchkula, Ludhiana, Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi-NCR, Punjab, and Haryana
- Damage/Casualties: None reported; authorities remain on alert.
Residents are advised to stay vigilant and prioritize safety during such unpredictable events.
