What is the potential impact of the recent earthquakes in Bhutan?

The shallow depth of the two recent earthquakes, measuring 4.2 and 2.8 in magnitude, makes the region susceptible to aftershocks, which could further damage Bhutan's vulnerable infrastructure and pose a threat to the local population.

Home / Disasters and Accidents / Bhutan Rocked by Back-to-Back Earthquakes, Experts Warn of Aftershocks

Bhutan Rocked by Back-to-Back Earthquakes, Experts Warn of Aftershocks

Q: What is the current seismic risk level in Bhutan?

Bhutan is located in one of the most seismically active zones in the world, falling within the highest-risk seismic zones IV and V, making it highly susceptible to earthquakes.

Q: How have recent natural disasters affected Bhutan?

In addition to earthquakes, Bhutan has faced other natural hazards like glacier lake outbursts, strong winds, landslides, and flash floods, which have caused significant damage to properties and loss of life in the past.

8 Sep

•

Summary

Two earthquakes struck Bhutan on the same day, with magnitudes of 4.2 and 2.8
Quakes occurred at depths of 10 km, making them susceptible to aftershocks
Bhutan is located in a seismically active region, prone to natural disasters

Bhutan Rocked by Back-to-Back Earthquakes, Experts Warn of Aftershocks

On September 8, 2025, Bhutan was struck by two earthquakes in quick succession. The first quake, measuring 4.2 in magnitude, occurred at 11:15:51 IST, with a depth of 10 km. Just a few hours later, at 12:49:37 IST, a second tremor of 2.8 magnitude hit the region, also at a depth of 10 km.

According to the National Center for Seismology (NCS), the shallow depth of these earthquakes makes them more susceptible to aftershocks, which could potentially cause further damage. Bhutan, situated in the young Himalayan Mountains, is considered one of the most seismically active zones in the world, falling within the highest-risk seismic zones IV and V.

In addition to earthquakes, Bhutan faces other natural hazards, such as glacier lake outbursts, strong winds, landslides, and flash floods, all of which have caused significant damage to properties and loss of life in the past. The country's vulnerability to these disasters is exacerbated by the effects of climate change, making it crucial for authorities to strengthen disaster preparedness and mitigation efforts.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.