Earthquakes in Bhutan

In Bhutan, earthquakes can be strong and cause heavy damages in a circle of dozens of kilometers. Compared to the size of the country, earthquakes occur with above-average frequency, but rarely with devastating damage.

11 people died since 1950 by direct consequences of earthquakes.

Other natural hazards in Bhutan:
› Cyclones
› The most severe earthquakes in the world

Back to overview: Bhutan

Most recent events

This list includes the strongest earthquakes recorded in or around Bhutan by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in the past 14 days. Whether an event is listed here depends largely on its magnitude, but also on its distance from inhabited areas. All data refer to the local time. This page is updated daily at 10:00 UTC.

May 29, 8:33 am
Magnitude 4.8: 13 km northwest of Dhekiajuli, India at a depth of ten km.
May 29, 12:51 am
Magnitude 4.5: 113 km north-northeast of Lhuentse at a depth of ten km.
May 28, 3:36 am
Magnitude 4.4: 17 km north of Rangāpāra, India at a depth of ten km.

Earthquakes in Bhutan since 1950

The strongest earthquake in Bhutan happened on 09/21/2009 in the Tashigang region with a magnitude of 6.1 on the Richter scale. The shifting of tectonic plates in a depth of 5 km resulted in 11 deaths.

Date	Region	Depth	Magnitude	Deaths
12/31/2009	Dametsi	29 km	5.2	0
10/29/2009	Mongar, Pemagatsel, Tashigang	38 km	5.3	0
09/21/2009	Tashigang	5 km	6.1	11
02/23/2006	Tashigang	53 km	5.8	0
03/25/2003	Phuentsholing	26 km	5.5	0

These statistics are based on datas from the National Geophysical Data Center / World Data Service (NGDC/WDS): Significant Earthquake Database. doi:10.7289/V5TD9V7K. Data have been summarized and translated.

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