Chamba Shaken by Earthquake, Residents Flee Homes in Panic

A 3.3 magnitude earthquake struck Himachal Pradesh’s Chamba district at 10:44 AM IST, sending residents scrambling out of their homes in panic. The shallow quake, centered 27 km northeast of Chamba at a depth of 5 km, caused no reported damage or injuries but heightened anxiety in this seismically active region.

Details of the Quake
The National Center for Seismology (NCS) reported the earthquake’s intensity at 3.3 on the Richter scale, classifying it as minor but noticeable. The epicenter, located in the rugged terrain near Churah, triggered brief tremors felt across Chamba town and nearby villages. Social media posts described the jolt as a “sudden rumble,” lasting a few seconds, enough to spark fear but not destruction.

Community Reaction
In Chamba’s bustling markets and residential areas, the quake caused momentary chaos. Shopkeepers and families fled buildings, recalling the region’s history of seismic activity, including a devastating 8-magnitude quake in Kangra in 1905 that killed over 20,000. “I grabbed my children and ran outside,” said Anita Sharma, a local resident. Schools briefly evacuated students as a precaution, though classes resumed after safety checks. The panic underscored the community’s awareness of living in a high-seismic zone.

No Damage, Ongoing Vigilance
Authorities confirmed no structural damage or casualties, a relief given Chamba’s mix of old and modern buildings. The district administration and police conducted inspections, urging calm while advising residents to stay alert. The NCS and local meteorological teams are monitoring for aftershocks, common in the Himalayan belt where tectonic plates collide. Past quakes, like a 5.3-magnitude event in April 2024, remind locals of the area’s vulnerability.

Living with Seismic Risks
Chamba’s frequent tremors highlight the need for preparedness. Experts advocate for earthquake-resistant construction and public awareness campaigns. While the May 19 quake was minor, it served as a wake-up call for residents to secure heavy objects and plan evacuation routes. As Chamba regains calm, the event reinforces the importance of resilience in this picturesque yet unpredictable Himalayan region.