Shimla, 17 October (H.S.): An earthquake measuring 4.1 on the Richter scale struck Shimla in Himachal Pradesh early Saturday morning, with tremors recorded at 4.36 am. According to the National Centre for Seismology, the epicentre was located at 31.298 degrees north latitude and 77.529 degrees east longitude, at a depth of 10 km below the surface.

People in Rampur in Shimla district felt strong tremors and came out of their homes. No loss of life or property was reported. The State Disaster Management Authority also said there were no reports of damage in Shimla district or adjoining areas.

Shimla had experienced mild tremors earlier on the morning of August 26. Himachal Pradesh falls in seismic zones IV and V under the existing classification. A proposed new seismic map placing the entire Himalayan region, including Himachal Pradesh, in Zone VI was subsequently withdrawn by the Central Government, and the earlier classification was restored.

The state has experienced destructive earthquakes in the past. More than 10,000 people were killed in the devastating 1905 earthquake that affected Kangra and Chamba districts.

Meanwhile, after snowfall in higher reaches in recent days, temperatures have dropped in Himachal Pradesh, with minimum temperatures falling below zero in tribal areas. The Meteorological Department has forecast dry weather across the state until October 23, with maximum temperatures expected to remain near normal and minimum temperatures likely to dip slightly. Shimla and other parts of the state began Saturday under clear skies.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar