A low-intensity earthquake measuring 3.3 on the Richter scale struck Himachal Pradesh’s Chamba district in the early hours of Wednesday, the National Centre for Seismology (NCS) reported.
The tremor was recorded at 3:27 AM at a depth of 20 kilometres, with coordinates 32.87 N latitude and 76.09 E longitude.
Meanwhile, the state continues to grapple with the aftermath of heavy rains and cloudbursts. In Kullu’s Lagghati area, Deputy Commissioner Torul S. Ravish confirmed extensive damage to infrastructure, including the washing away of a bridge at Hanumani Bag, damage to the road near Bhootnath Bridge, and destruction of a cremation ground. Two shops, two vegetable stalls, one house, and the Ropdi Bhutthi Bridge were also reported damaged.
According to the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA), the ongoing monsoon has claimed 276 lives since June 20. Of these, 143 deaths were caused by rain-related incidents such as landslides, flash floods, and cloudbursts, while 133 were due to road accidents linked to unsafe conditions created by incessant rains.
The state has also suffered an estimated economic loss of over ₹2,21,000 lakh (₹2,211.64 crore) due to widespread damage to public and private property, agriculture, horticulture, and infrastructure.
The HPSDMA report further highlighted that 1,104 houses were completely destroyed, along with 37 shops and factories, and 2,416 cowsheds and rural structures. Additionally, more than 27,500 livestock and poultry birds perished in the rains.
