An earthquake measuring 5.0 on the Richter scale struck Himachal Pradesh on Friday night, causing brief panic across several northern states, including Haryana and Punjab. The earthquake occurred at a shallow depth of 5 kilometres, which contributed to the tremors being felt across a wide area.
According to initial reports, the epicentre of the earthquake was located approximately 18 kilometres from Dharamshala in Chamba district.
Strong tremors were reported in Himachal’s Shahpur and nearby areas, while tremors were also felt across several hill regions, including Chamba, Dalhousie, Bharmaur, and Holi.
The tremors were felt at around 10.04 pm, prompting residents to rush out of their homes as a precautionary measure.
The impact of the quake extended beyond Himachal Pradesh, with tremors also felt in parts of Haryana and Punjab. In urban centers such as Chandigarh and Panchkula, people were seen evacuating buildings as a safety measure.
Residents reported that the ground shook for several seconds, creating moments of confusion and fear.
Local authorities confirmed that, as of now, there have been no immediate reports of casualties or property damage.
Emergency response teams and district administrations are closely monitoring the situation, while detailed assessments are being carried out to determine any potential impact in remote and hilly regions.
Experts note that the Himalayan region lies in a highly seismic zone, making it vulnerable to occasional earthquakes and aftershocks.
