A strong 5.3 magnitude earthquake jolted near Punakha, Bhutan, late Sunday night, sending strong tremors across the Himalayan country. Residents in Thimphu, Paro, Punakha and several other Dzongkhags reported buildings swaying, furniture shaking and people rushing out of homes and hotels as the ground shook for several seconds. Early reports indicate that the earthquake shook a wide area, including parts of northeastern India, Nepal, Bangladesh and nearby areas. Social media users from Bhutan described the shaking as one of the strongest tremors felt recently.
Will There Be Another Earthquake in Bhutan?
Earthquakes occur because the tectonic plates beneath the Earth’s surface are always moving. When a big quake happens, the stress that has built up in the rocks does not always release all at once. This can trigger smaller earthquakes called aftershocks. These can happen minutes, hours, days or even weeks after the original quake.
Breaking: Major 5.3 magnitude earthquake with strong shaking of buildings in Thimphu, Paro and multiple Dzongkhags. pic.twitter.com/2o8xkWOfMr
— The Bhutanese (@thebhutanese) June 7, 2026
Scientists cannot say with certainty when and where the next earthquake will occur, but people in the affected areas are generally advised to remain vigilant and to heed official information. Bhutan and the eastern Himalayan region lie in a seismically active zone where earthquakes occur quite regularly due to constant movement of tectonic plates.
Which Areas of India Were Affected?
Tremors of the earthquake were felt in parts of northeast India and adjoining areas. Areas affected include:
• Guwahati, Assam
• Shillong, Meghalaya
• Tura, Meghalaya
• Parts of Arunachal Pradesh
• Siliguri, West Bengal
• North Bengal region
• Dibrugarh, Assam
• Nagaon, Assam
• Morigaon, Assam
Residents in several cities reported feeling buildings shake and getting earthquake alerts on their phones before or during the tremors.
Why Is Bhutan Prone to Earthquakes?
Bhutan is located within the Himalayan seismic belt, one of the world’s most active earthquake zones. The region is affected by the ongoing collision of the Indian Plate with the Eurasian Plate, which results in the buildup of underground pressure that is eventually released as earthquakes. Experts say that both Bhutan and northeastern India regularly experience seismic activity because they are located in this tectonically active zone.
Quick Steps to Follow During an Earthquake
If there is an earthquake, here are some safety measures to take:
• Stay calm and don’t panic.
• Drop to the ground. Take cover under a heavy table. Hold on.
• Avoid windows, mirrors and heavy furniture.
• If inside, don’t use the elevator.
• If you are outside, proceed to an open area away from buildings and power lines.
• If you’re driving, pull over safely and stay in your vehicle.
There have been no immediate reports of major damage or injuries, but assessments are under way and officials continue to monitor the situation. Bhutanese and northeastern Indian residents are urged to remain vigilant for further updates.
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Harshita is a journalist and digital content writer specializing in breaking news, current affairs, travel, education, and trending stories. She is focused on delivering accurate, timely, and engaging content with a strong emphasis on clarity and audience relevance.
