5.8 Magnitude Quake Strikes J&K, Causes Alarm
Click to start listening
Srinagar, Nov 28 (NationPress) A 5.8 magnitude earthquake shook J&K on Thursday, instilling panic among the populace who swiftly evacuated their residences.
According to information from the National Centre for Seismology (NCS), the quake, rated at 5.8 on the Richter scale, occurred at 4:19 p.m. with its epicenter located in the area between Afghanistan and Tajikistan.
The seismic event originated 209 km beneath the earth's surface, with coordinates of Latitude 36.62° N and Longitude 71.32° E.
Tremors were felt across the Valley, prompting many individuals to flee from their homes and workplaces.
Authorities reported that there have been no casualties or property damage recorded.
Historically, earthquakes have caused significant destruction in Kashmir, as the Valley is situated in a seismically active zone.
Records indicate that numerous settlements have faced total devastation due to past earthquakes in the region. Traditionally, mud structures found in Kashmir were better equipped to withstand seismic activity.
In contemporary times, however, concrete-reinforced cement buildings have supplanted mud houses, even in rural areas, making them more susceptible to earthquakes.
On October 8, 2005, a quake measuring 7.2 on the Richter scale resulted in the death of over 80,000 people on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC) in J&K.
The town of Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) was devastated by the 2005 earthquake.
Additionally, ongoing tremors have been felt in the Chenab Valley region of J&K, which includes the districts of Doda, Kishtwar, Reasi, and Ramban.
Geologists and seismologists are actively investigating the causes of these tremors, which have been recorded in significant numbers over the past 15 years.
