5.8 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Pakistan, Felt in J&K
Click to start listening
Synopsis
On April 12, a <b>5.8 magnitude earthquake</b> originated in Pakistan, with tremors felt in Jammu and Kashmir. Experts express concerns over the region's vulnerability and emphasize the need for earthquake-resistant structures.
Key Takeaways
- Earthquake Magnitude: 5.8 on the Richter scale
- Epicenter: Pakistan, 10 km deep
- Tremors felt: Jammu and Kashmir
- Seismic history: Kashmir Valley is earthquake-prone
- Need for: Earthquake-resistant construction
Srinagar, April 12 (NationPress) A 5.8 magnitude earthquake occurred on Saturday, originating from Pakistan, with tremors perceptible in J&K.
Mukhtar Ahmad, the Director of the MET Department, informed IANS that the earthquake struck at 13:00:55 IST with coordinates latitude 33.63° N and longitude 72.46° E.
“The earthquake's epicentre was located within the Pakistan region, originating 10 km beneath the Earth's surface. Mild tremors were experienced in J&K,” he noted.
Seismologically, the Kashmir Valley lies in a seismically active zone, where previous earthquakes have caused significant destruction.
On October 8, 2005, a catastrophic earthquake measuring 7.6 struck at 8:50 AM, with its epicentre in Muzaffarabad, located in Pakistan-administered Kashmir (PoK).
This earthquake resulted in the loss of over 80,000 lives across both sides of the Line of Control (LoC).
The devastating earthquake was also felt in Afghanistan, Tajikistan, India, and the Xinjiang region.
The scale of destruction was largely due to severe geological upheaval. Although not the most powerful earthquake recorded in this area, the 2005 event is regarded as the deadliest, even exceeding the 1935 Quetta earthquake.
This disaster was the fifth deadliest natural calamity of that decade. Reports indicate the official death toll in Pakistan ranged from 73,276 to 87,350, with some estimates exceeding 100,000 fatalities.
In India, the toll included 1,360 fatalities, while 6,266 individuals sustained injuries, and four casualties were reported in Afghanistan.
The 2005 earthquake left approximately 3.5 million people homeless and injured around 138,000 individuals.
The Chenab Valley region in J&K has experienced periodic tremors over the last decade.
Many private and government buildings in Kishtwar and Doda districts have developed cracks and are now uninhabitable due to these incidents.
Experts advise that earthquake-resistant structures should be constructed in the Kashmir Valley and the Chenab Valley region to minimize future damage.
Traditional wood and mud structures in the Valley historically sustained minimal damage during earthquakes. However, the transition to cement and concrete structures has significantly increased vulnerability to seismic activity.
