Residents in Uttarkashi and the surrounding Yamunotri valley were startled on Saturday evening as a 4.2-magnitude earthquake hit the region. According to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS), the seismic event occurred at 8:07 pm, with its epicentre situated approximately 2 km northwest of Uttarkashi. The tremor originated at a depth of 11 km, causing noticeable shaking that rattled household items, including televisions, in local homes.
The sudden occurrence prompted many residents to vacate their houses as a safety precaution. Purushottam Uniyal, a local priest from Kharsali village, the winter seat of Yamunotri, noted that the intensity of the shaking was significant enough to be felt clearly by those indoors. The event sparked widespread concern across the area, following a period of heightened seismic activity in the hill state.
This earthquake marks the second instance in just four days that Uttarakhand has recorded a tremor exceeding a magnitude of 4. Prior to Saturday's event, a 4.9-magnitude earthquake struck the Chamoli district on October 6, adding to the anxiety of the local population. These repeated tremors have put the region on high alert, as residents remain cautious following the back-to-back seismic disturbances.
Despite the panic caused by the tremors, official reports suggest there have been no casualties or structural damage reported so far. Officials from the Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority (USDMA) have been monitoring the situation closely since the event. As of the latest update, authorities have not confirmed any reports of destruction or harm to public infrastructure. The state remains vigilant as geologists and disaster management teams continue to assess the region for any potential risks or aftershocks that might follow the recent activity.
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