5.3-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Near Lo Manthang in Mustang, Tremors Felt as Far as Kathmandu

Dragon Media Correspondent

A 5.3-magnitude earthquake struck near Lo Manthang in Mustang on Tuesday night, with tremors felt across several parts of western and central Nepal, including Kathmandu.

According to the National Earthquake Monitoring and Research Center, the earthquake occurred at 9:53 p.m. Senior seismologist Lok Bijaya Adhikari said the quake measured 5.3 on the magnitude scale.

The epicenter was located in the Lo Manthang area of Mustang, while the earthquake originated at a depth of approximately 35 kilometers beneath the Earth’s surface.

Strong tremors were reported in Mustang and surrounding Himalayan areas. The shaking was also felt in Baglung, Myagdi, parts of the Dhaulagiri region and several other western districts.

Residents in Kathmandu also reported feeling light tremors. The earthquake was additionally felt across parts of Tibet bordering Nepal.

No immediate reports of casualties or major structural damage were available following the earthquake. Local authorities and relevant agencies were gathering information from areas near the epicenter, including remote settlements where communication can be difficult.

An earthquake of magnitude 5.3 is generally considered moderate, but its effects can vary depending on depth, distance from the epicenter, local geology and the structural condition of buildings.

Mustang and the broader Himalayan region lie within an active seismic zone. Nepal frequently experiences earthquakes because of the continuing movement and collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates beneath the Himalayas.

Authorities and earthquake experts have advised residents in areas where the tremor was strongly felt to remain alert for possible aftershocks and to avoid entering visibly damaged or structurally weak buildings until they are considered safe.

The National Earthquake Monitoring and Research Center continues to monitor seismic activity in the region.