Kathmandu: Residents in and around Kathmandu Valley experienced early morning tremors today after a 5.0-magnitude earthquake struck with its epicenter in Dingze, China, located approximately 18 kilometers north of Nepal’s border, according to the National Earthquake Monitoring and Research Centre.

The quake occurred at 4:05 AM, prompting brief panic among locals, although no immediate damage or casualties have been reported.

The seismic activity adds to a recent series of earthquakes affecting western Nepal, particularly Jajarkot district. A 4.4-magnitude quake struck Kushe Rural Municipality, Pank in Jajarkot at 4:53 AM on Tuesday, just under an hour after the Dingze tremor. The previous night, on Monday at 9:31 PM, a 4.1-magnitude earthquake was also recorded in the same area.

Earlier this month, on April 3, Jajarkot witnessed two significant quakes of 5.2 and 5.5 magnitude, causing minor structural damages to some houses.

Other recent tremors include a 4.0-magnitude quake in Darchula on April 2, and a 4.5-magnitude quake in Humla on March 25, signaling continued seismic activity across the Himalayan region.

Authorities have urged the public to remain alert and follow safety protocols in the event of aftershocks or stronger quakes.