1905 Kangra earthquake

The 1905 Kangra earthquake, measuring 7.8 on the moment magnitude scale, struck the Kangra Valley in British India on April 4, 1905, at approximately 4:00 PM IST. The epicenter was located near the town of Kangra, in present-day Himachal Pradesh. The earthquake caused widespread devastation, resulting in the deaths of an estimated 20,000 to 25,000 people, and damaged or destroyed around 80,000 buildings, including temples, homes, and infrastructure. Aftershocks continued for several months, complicating rescue efforts. The disaster prompted significant changes in seismic research and building practices in the region, highlighting the need for disaster preparedness and response strategies in earthquake-prone areas.