LEH (LADAKH), AUG 13 — Two moderate earthquakes struck the Union Territory of Ladakh within a span of four hours on Thursday morning, triggering concern among local residents across the seismically active high-altitude region.
According to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS), the initial, stronger tremor—measuring 5.5 on the Richter scale—struck at 6:05 AM IST at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers. A second quake of magnitude 4.3 followed at 9:54 AM IST at the same depth.
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No immediate casualties or major structural damages have been reported.
Key Seismic Details
| Attribute | First Earthquake | Second Earthquake |
| Magnitude | 5.5 | 4.3 |
| Time (IST) | 06:05:15 AM | 09:54:12 AM |
| Depth | 10 km (Shallow) | 10 km (Shallow) |
| Coordinates | 36.881°N, 74.402°E | 36.765°N, 75.326°E |
| Location | Leh, Ladakh | Leh, Ladakh |
Shallow Depth Raises Local Concern
While both tremors passed without causing reported destruction, the shallow 10 km depth of the epicenters amplified shaking at the surface.
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Seismologists from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) note that earthquakes occurring at shallow levels (between 0 and 70 km) are typically felt more intensely than deeper quakes. Because seismic energy travels a shorter distance to reach the surface, shallow quakes produce stronger ground motion, increasing the risk to buildings and infrastructure.
NCS confirmed the details on social media:
"EQ of M: 5.5, On: 13/08/2026 06:05:15 IST, Lat: 36.881 N, Long: 74.402 E, Depth: 10 Km, Location: Leh, Ladakh."
Local administrative authorities are keeping a close watch on the situation, though no emergency responses or evacuations have been activated so far.
