Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti districts of Himachal Pradesh were affected by a severe earthquake in the early afternoon hours of January 19. 1975. The main shock. which had been assigned a magnitude 7.0 on preliminary analysis of the earthquake records (India Meteorological Department. personal communication). is reported to have been preceded by a foreshock few minutes earlier and felt locally. The main event was felt with severe intensity in Himachal Pradesh. Ladakh region and hill districts of Uttar Pradesh, and was perceptible at other places as far off as New Delhi. Loud rumbling noises accompanying the earthquake were reported (which were also heard during major aftershocks) in Parachu and Spiti river valleys. Several hundred aftershocks. which are still (March 1975) continuing. have occurred in the region. It has been reported that 60 persons lost their life.few hundred were severely injured and more then 2500 became homeless. A considerable number of cattle. ponies and sheep were killed and injured. Landslides. rock falls. Snow avalanches, falling boulders and stones damaged or blocked the roads and broke telegraph lines. completely disrupted means of transport and communications. Subsequent violent windstroms with dry driving snow and intense cold caused added misery to the people and hampered relief and resclle operations in the region. Fortunately. as the earthquake occured in the day time. the casualties were not very heavy.