Desk Correspondent , Jammu - A powerful earthquake measuring 5.7 on the Richter scale struck the Union Territory of Ladakh and parts of the Kashmir Valley on Monday, sending waves of panic through the high-altitude region. The National Centre for Seismology (NCS) reported that the quake's epicenter was located at a depth of 10 kilometers in the border region of Ladakh. Strong tremors were felt across Leh, Kargil, and various districts of Jammu and Kashmir, including Srinagar, prompting thousands of residents to rush out of their homes and offices into the freezing winter outdoors.

The administration has quickly issued a safety advisory, urging citizens to remain vigilant and stay away from fragile structures, as the region remains susceptible to aftershocks. Disaster Management teams have been placed on high alert to assess potential structural damage, particularly in the older settlements and hilly terrains where landslides are a constant risk. "While no immediate loss of life or major property damage has been reported so far, we are in constant touch with district collectors to get a clear picture from remote areas," a senior official stated.

The seismic activity disrupted daily life momentarily, with telecommunication networks in some parts of Ladakh experiencing brief outages. Experts noted that the 5.7 magnitude quake is one of the stronger ones to hit the region in recent months, highlighting the vulnerability of the Himalayan belt. As authorities continue to monitor the situation, residents have been advised to keep emergency kits ready and follow official protocols. "Stay calm and do not believe in rumors; the government is monitoring the situation closely," the advisory added, as the region remains on edge