Tremors felt in J&K after earthquake strikes Afghanistan
A 5.9 magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan on Saturday morning, with tremors felt in various parts of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).
Srinagar: A 5.9 magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan on Saturday morning, with tremors felt in various parts of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).
Table of Contents
According to the Meteorological Department, the epicentre was located in the Afghanistan-Tajikistan border region at a depth of 86 km, at latitude 36.13°N and longitude 71.38°E.
No Casualties Reported So Far
Tremors were felt across multiple areas in J&K, but there have been no immediate reports of casualties or property damage. Authorities have assured that they are closely monitoring the situation.
Panic Among Residents as Tremors Felt
The tremors caused panic among residents, prompting people to rush out of homes and workplaces. Eyewitnesses reported that the shaking lasted for several seconds. Many took to social media to share their experiences and contact loved ones.
Kashmir’s History of Earthquakes
Kashmir is part of a seismically active zone and has experienced major earthquakes in the past. Notably, on October 8, 2005, a quake of the same 5.9 magnitude struck Muzaffarabad at 8:50 a.m., devastating the region and causing the deaths of over 80,000 people on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC).
Earthquake Resilience: Traditional vs Modern Structures
Experts have debated the earthquake resilience of traditional vs modern structures. Buildings made of mud, timber, and brick—common in older times—are believed to have been more resilient than many of the cement-concrete constructions built in the past seven decades.
Chenab Valley: A Seismic Hotspot
The Chenab Valley region—covering Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, and Reasi districts—has experienced frequent seismic activity in the last decade. Many residential and government buildings in the area have suffered structural damage, leading to ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts.
Experts Warn, But Prediction Remains Uncertain
Some seismologists caution that the region may be at risk for a major future earthquake, but they also emphasize that accurate earthquake prediction remains scientifically unfeasible at present.
