Since late January, Uttarkashi has consistently felt the rumblings of earthquakes. Starting from January 24, several quakes have struck the region with magnitudes ranging from 2 to 3.5. Amid the frequent seismic activity, unfounded rumors and false reports of earthquakes have also circulated. These recent events are being compared to the 1991 disaster when Uttarkashi experienced continuous earthquakes for two months. Let's delve into the current situation in Uttarkashi and revisit what happened back in 1991...
How Often Has the Earthquake Struck?
Since January 24, over the span of approximately 10 days, Uttarkashi has been frequently jolted by earthquakes. The last reported earthquake was on a Friday, marking it as the eighth occurrence in this series. Over the preceding eight days, eight quakes were also recorded. Reports indicate that three quakes hit on the morning of January 24, with magnitudes of 2.5 and 3.5 on the Richter scale. One minor tremor wasn't recorded on the scale due to its mildness. Subsequent tremors were noted on January 25, along with several other instances.
Uttarakhand has a long-standing history of seismic activity. Data shared by the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology reveals that the state experienced 59 earthquakes in 2024, with 43 of them recorded between magnitudes 2 and 3.
What Happened in 1991?
Let’s explore the 1991 situation in Uttarkashi, which has drawn parallels to the current scenario. On October 20, 1991, a major earthquake struck Uttarkashi, causing significant devastation in the Garhwal Himalayan region. Following this event, the area was rocked by aftershocks for two months, totaling 142 tremors.
The 1991 quake caused extensive property damage and claimed 768 lives, injuring 5066 people, and fully destroying 20184 homes while substantially damaging 74714 others. The earthquake magnitude was 6.6 on the Richter scale, causing lighter shocks as far as Delhi. The tremor led to severe landslides in the Bhagirathi and Bhilangana Valleys, exacerbating the destruction.
Could We Face a 1991-like Disaster?
Dr. Naresh Kumar, a geologist from the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, told AajTak that such phenomena are common in this region. Earthquakes frequently occur, sometimes increasing in number over short periods, as with the 2009 series near Tapovan. While the occurrence of a 1991-magnitude quake seems unlikely, the long interval without a significant tremor leaves room for future possibilities. Therefore, the situation remains uncertain and warrants caution.
