04.12.2025 14:25
Experts conducting research in the Himalayas have stated that the mountains are rising millimeter by millimeter each year and that the danger is increasing. Noting that the Himalayas have been accumulating energy for 700 years, the experts warned that two earthquakes of magnitude 8.8 could occur in this region. More than 60% of India is located in areas at medium to high risk of earthquakes.
A new study conducted in the Himalayan region has revealed that the energy accumulated along the fault line could lead to very large earthquakes. In the updated earthquake hazard map, the Himalayas have been classified into the newly defined "Region VI" category, which has the highest risk level. According to the study, more than 60% of India is also located in areas at medium to high earthquake risk.
2 EARTHQUAKES OF 8.8 MAGNITUDE COULD OCCUR
According to a report by Wion News, a study published in October had also warned that two major earthquakes could occur in the Himalayas in the near future. The geophysicist KM Sreejith and his team, who conducted the latest research, identified the locking zones of the fault and the accumulated energy by analyzing horizontal and vertical surface movements in the region. Measurements taken along an 800-kilometer line across the Himalayas revealed the potential for two earthquakes that could reach a magnitude of 8.8. The team included Rishav Mallick, Eric J. Fielding, MCM Jasir, Mark Simons, and Ritesh Agrawal.
ENERGY ACCUMULATED FOR 700 YEARS
The study titled "Geodetic Findings Indicating Increased Earthquake Hazard" stated that the region has been accumulating energy for 500–700 years. According to the researchers, this long-term compression could suddenly be released during a potential major earthquake. Thanks to new satellite data and advanced models, it has been determined that the two continents are approaching each other faster than expected and that a larger section of the fault line is locked. These findings indicate that the earthquake hazard in the region is higher than previous assessments.
BOUNDARIES OF THE LOCKED FAULT STILL UNCLEAR
Previous research has mostly focused on horizontal movements, so the boundaries of the locked section of the fault were not fully understood. New methods, however, provide clearer information about the behavior of the fault as they can measure both horizontal and vertical movements of the surface in detail.
MOUNTAINS RISING 5–8 MILLIMETERS EACH YEAR
The research revealed that the Earth's crust is rising vertically by 5–8 millimeters per year in a wide section of the Himalayas. Although this figure may seem small, it creates significant deformation when accumulated over centuries. This situation indicates that the region is still active and that plate compression continues. According to scientists, this pressure could lead to a major rupture along the main fault line, producing very severe earthquakes.