5.7-magnitude earthquake jolts Leh-Ladakh: Authorities advise caution

Leh-Ladakh: An earthquake measuring 5.7 on the Richter scale struck the Leh-Ladakh region at 11.51 am IST on Monday, according to official data from the National Centre of Seismology (NCS).

• Epicentre: Leh-Ladakh region
• Time: 11.14 am IST
• Magnitude: 5.7 (some reports round to 5.6)
• Depth: Approximately 171 km below the surface — classifying it as a deep-focus earthquake.

Despite the strength of the quake, there are no immediate reports of tremors being felt widely, and no casualties or significant structural damage have been reported so far. Authorities continue to monitor the situation.

Officials have also issued advisories for caution, warning residents about the possibility of aftershocks in the coming hours, given the region’s seismic sensitivity within the Himalayan earthquake belt.

Experts note that deeper earthquakes such as this one generally produce less intense surface shaking compared to shallow quakes, reducing the likelihood of severe damage.

This seismic event follows recent moderate earthquakes in the wider region, underlining the ongoing tectonic activity along the Himalayan front.

Authorities and disaster management teams remain on alert, and residents in surrounding areas are advised to stay informed through official channels and safety advisories.