A strong earthquake measuring 5.7 on the Richter scale struck the Ladakh region in northwestern Kashmir on Monday, the National Center for Seismology (NCS) said. The tremor was felt in parts of the Leh–Ladakh area, which lies in a highly active seismic zone.

According to the NCS, the earthquake occurred at 11:51:14 am. The epicentre was located in the Leh–Ladakh region, and the quake originated at a depth of 171 kilometres beneath the surface.

EQ of M: 5.7, On: 19/01/2026 11:51:14 IST, Lat: 36.71 N, Long: 74.32 E, Depth: 171 Km, Location: Leh, Ladakh.
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— National Center for Seismology (@NCS_Earthquake) January 19, 2026

No Immediate Damage Reported

Officials confirmed that there were no immediate reports of injuries or damage to property. Local authorities said they were closely monitoring the situation and advised people to remain alert, as aftershocks are possible.

The region is part of the Himalayan belt, which is known for frequent seismic activity due to the movement of tectonic plates.

Part of Wider Seismic Activity in the Region

The Ladakh earthquake came just a day after another tremor was recorded in Afghanistan. On Sunday, an earthquake of magnitude 4.1 struck the neighbouring country, pointing to increased seismic movement across the wider region.

Afghanistan has experienced several earthquakes in recent days. On January 15, a magnitude 4.2 quake was recorded at a depth of 96 kilometres. This followed a magnitude 3.8 earthquake on January 14, which occurred at a depth of 90 kilometres, according to NCS data.

Why Earthquake Depth Matters

Experts say shallow earthquakes are usually more dangerous than deeper ones. This is because seismic waves from shallow quakes travel a shorter distance to the surface, leading to stronger ground shaking. Such conditions increase the risk of damage and casualties.

In this case, the Ladakh earthquake originated deep underground, which likely reduced its impact at the surface.

Authorities Remain on Alert

While the absence of damage has brought relief, officials continue to keep a close watch on developments. Residents in quake-prone regions have been urged to stay cautious and follow safety guidelines in case of further tremors.