Mild quake strikes Shimla

An earthquake of 3.0 magnitude struck Shimla around 3:32 pm today afternoon. However, No damage was reported in and around the city due to the earthquake. The epicentre of the earthquake was Khashdhar in the Chirgaon area of Shimla district. It is located at 31.21° North latitude and 77.87° East longitude.

The state falls in the high risk seismic zone IV and V. As per the study conducted by the Shimla Municipal Corporation about a decade ago, several buildings in the city are vulnerable in the event of an earthquake. According to geologists, much of the city is built on solid rock, which is a positive during earthquake.

However, the geologists point out that the buildings are too dense, with hardly any space between them, which could cause damage in the event of an high-intensity earthquake.

Several buildings vulnerable

• The state falls in the high risk seismic zone IV and V. Several buildings in the city are vulnerable in the event of an earthquake.