Dharamshala: Chamba district in Himachal Pradesh experienced the impact of a 5.3 magnitude earthquake at 21:34 pm today, as reported by the National Center for Seismology. The tremors reverberated not only across Chamba but also reached Chandigarh, spanning parts of Punjab and Haryana.
As detailed by officials from the meteorological department in Shimla, the earthquake, with a depth of 10 km, rattled the Chamba district. Fortunately, there have been no reported casualties or damages to property from any part of Himachal Pradesh following the brief seismic event.
Sanjay Kumar, a resident of Chandigarh, shared his experience, stating, “I felt a strong jolt for a couple of seconds. Just as I was about to head downstairs, the shaking stopped,” as per the PTI report.
It’s noteworthy that on this date in 1905, an 8-magnitude earthquake struck Kangra in Himachal Pradesh, leading to widespread devastation and loss of life. Historical records from the National Centre for Seismology (NCS) indicate that over 20,000 individuals perished in the disaster in the Western Himalayas.
Today’s seismic activity serves as a poignant reminder of the region’s susceptibility to earthquakes. However, advancements in technology and preparedness measures have considerably mitigated potential impacts compared to historical events like the Kangra earthquake of 1905, underscoring progress in disaster mitigation and response capabilities.
In recent times, Taiwan experienced the wrath of a powerful earthquake measuring 7.4 magnitude on Wednesday, garnering global attention. The earthquake claimed about 10 lives and left over 1000 people injured. It marked the most potent earthquake to hit Taiwan in 25 years, triggering landslides that sent boulders and mud cascading down mountainsides.
Reports indicated blocked roads and damaged buildings, with collapsed structures posing imminent danger. Media sources highlighted that rescuers were tirelessly combing through the area in search of missing individuals, while concerted efforts were underway to reach hundreds of stranded residents in Hualien, located approximately 200 km south of Taiwan’s capital.
