Why Is Ladakh Shaking? 5.5-Magnitude Quake Jolts Leh

Leh in Ladakh was jolted by a 5.5-magnitude earthquake early Thursday morning, followed by another 4.3-magnitude tremor nearly four hours later, highlighting continued seismic activity in the Himalayan region.

According to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS), the first earthquake occurred at 6:05 am at a depth of 10 kilometres, with the epicentre at 36.881°N latitude and 74.402°E longitude. The second tremor, measuring 4.3 magnitude, struck at 9:54 am at the same depth. No immediate reports of casualties or major property damage were available.

A magnitude of 5.5 is generally classified as a moderate earthquake, capable of producing noticeable and potentially strong shaking, particularly when it occurs close to populated areas. Both Thursday's earthquakes were shallow, at just 10 km depth. Shallow quakes can produce stronger surface shaking because seismic waves travel a shorter distance before reaching the ground.

The tremors are linked to tectonic activity in the Himalayan region, where the Indian Plate continues to push northward against the Eurasian Plate. The resulting compression and movement along faults accumulate and periodically release energy as earthquakes. Ladakh is therefore considered a seismically active region, although the precise fault responsible for an individual earthquake can require detailed seismological analysis.

NCS records show that Ladakh and the surrounding region have experienced several smaller earthquakes in recent weeks. A 3.2-magnitude quake was recorded on July 5 at a depth of 15 km, while a 3.3-magnitude earthquake struck Kargil on July 13 at a depth of 10 km. Another 3.6-magnitude earthquake was recorded on July 24 at a depth of 20 km, around 212 km east-northeast of Leh.

Thursday's 5.5-magnitude event is therefore significantly stronger than the tremors recorded during much of the previous month. The subsequent 4.3-magnitude quake also indicates continuing seismic activity, prompting authorities and residents to remain alert for possible further tremors.