5.9 Magnitude Earthquake Jolts North India, Tremors Felt Across Region

Show Quick Read

Key points generated by AI, verified by newsroom

Strong earthquake tremors were felt in Delhi-NCR on Friday night (April 3), with the ground shaking across several northern states.

Tremors were reported in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Chandigarh, Rajasthan and parts of Himachal Pradesh. In Jammu and Kashmir, the shaking lasted for approximately 10 to 15 seconds, prompting residents to rush out of their homes.

Epicentre In Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush Region

The earthquake, measuring 5.9 on the Richter scale, originated in the Hindu Kush mountains of Afghanistan.

According to reports, the epicentre was located at 71.01 degrees east longitude and 36.52 degrees north latitude, at a depth of 175 kilometres.

Impact Across Four Countries

The tremors were felt across four countries, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Tajikistan, highlighting the wide impact of the seismic activity.

#earthquake in #Islamabad #Pakistan

— Azad Pakistan🇵🇰 (@SohailAhmadISB) April 3, 2026

In India, areas including Jammu and Kashmir’s Kupwara district also experienced shaking, causing brief panic among residents.

No Immediate Damage Reported

There have been no reports of casualties or damage so far. Authorities are monitoring the situation.

Delhi earthquake 🫨

— Chandan Kumar (@Chandan55316121) April 3, 2026

Earlier Tremors Recorded In Tibet

Earlier in the day, a separate earthquake measuring 3.2 in magnitude was recorded in Tibet at 8:12 p.m.

What Causes Earthquakes

An earthquake is a sudden shaking of the Earth’s surface, primarily linked to the movement of tectonic plates.

The Earth’s outer layer, or lithosphere, is divided into several large plates that move slowly over time. When these plates get stuck due to friction, stress builds up. Once the stress exceeds the strength of the rocks, they break or slip suddenly, releasing energy in the form of seismic waves that cause the ground to shake.