A moderate earthquake with a magnitude of 3.9 on the Richter scale struck the Kangra region of Himachal Pradesh on August 18, 2025, at approximately 9:28 PM IST. The National Center for Seismology (NCS) reported that the earthquake was centered in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, at a latitude of 32.23 N and a longitude of 76.38 E. The quake had a shallow depth of 10 kilometers.
Initial reports indicate that there have been no immediate reports of damage or casualties.
The NCS also shared the earthquake information on social media, encouraging people to download the BhooKamp App for more details and updates.
While the earthquake was of moderate intensity, it was felt by residents in and around Kangra. Social media platforms were quickly filled with posts from people sharing their experiences. One user from Palampur noted that their dog seemed to sense the tremor more strongly. Another user reported feeling strong tremors in Kangra. The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) also reported the earthquake, placing the epicenter approximately 6 km northeast of Dharamsala.
According to the Volcano Discovery, the earthquake was also felt widely in the area, and the magnitude was recorded as 4.2. They received numerous reports from people who felt the quake.
Earlier on the same day, a separate earthquake with a magnitude of 4.3 struck Nagaon, Assam. This was the seventh earthquake to hit Assam in August 2025 and the third in the Nagaon district. The tremor occurred at a depth of 35 km and was felt in Nagaon and surrounding areas.
Himachal Pradesh is located in a seismically active region, falling under seismic zones IV and V, making it highly vulnerable to earthquakes. Districts such as Kangra, Chamba, Lahaul-Spiti, Kullu, and Mandi are particularly susceptible to seismic activity. This is due to the region's geology, where the movement and collision of tectonic plates can cause significant seismic events.