Kashmir I March 14, 2025 – A 5.2 magnitude earthquake rattled Kargil in Ladakh in the pre-dawn hours of Friday, briefly shaking residents awake but leaving the region unscathed, officials said. The tremor, recorded at 2:50 a.m. IST by the National Center for Seismology , struck at a depth of 15 kilometres, with its epicentre pinpointed at latitude 33.37 N and longitude 76.76 E in the rugged Kargil district.
The NCS issued a prompt update: “EQ of M: 5.2, On: 14/03/2025 02:50:05 IST, Lat: 33.37 N, Long: 76.76 E, Depth: 15 Km, Location: Kargil, Ladakh.” Tremors rippled through Kargil and parts of Jammu and Kashmir, yet local authorities reported no loss of life, injuries, or major structural damage by mid-morning. “We’ve conducted initial checks, and everything appears intact. It’s a fortunate outcome,” said a senior official from the Kargil district administration.
Nestled in the seismically volatile Zone-IV near the Himalayan fault lines, Kargil is no stranger to earthquakes. Residents described the jolt as a fleeting disturbance. “I felt the bed shake for a few seconds—it was startling but over quickly,” said Mohammad Ismail, a shopkeeper in Kargil town. “We’re just glad it wasn’t worse.” Another resident, preparing for Holi festivities, added, “It woke the kids, but they’re back to planning their colors now.”
District officials and disaster response teams were quick to assess the situation, fanning out across the mountainous terrain to inspect homes, roads, and public buildings. With no immediate reports of cracks or collapses, the region breathed a collective sigh of relief. The NCS and Indian Meteorological Department are keeping watch for aftershocks.
The quake’s timing, hours before Holi celebrations were set to begin across Jammu and Kashmir, briefly overshadowed the festive mood. Yet, with no harm done, Kargil’s residents appear poised to carry on with the day’s joy. The event echoes recent seismic activity in the Himalayas—tremors have struck Nepal, Assam, and Tibet in recent months—but stands apart for its minimal impact.
Authorities remain on alert, encouraging locals to report any delayed signs of damage as a precaution. For now, Kargil’s focus shifts back to the vibrant hues of Holi, with the earthquake serving as a fleeting reminder of the region’s dynamic geology rather than a cause for alarm.