Tremors Recorded in J&K Following Afghanistan Earthquake
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Synopsis
On April 19, an earthquake measuring 5.9 on the Richter scale struck Afghanistan, causing tremors in Jammu and Kashmir. Thankfully, no casualties or damage have been reported, but the situation is being closely monitored by authorities.
Key Takeaways
- Earthquake of 5.9 magnitude struck Afghanistan.
- Tremors felt across Jammu and Kashmir.
- No reported injuries or damage.
- Seismic activity in the region is a concern.
- Authorities are on alert and monitoring the situation.
Srinagar, April 19 (NationPress) An earthquake with a magnitude of 5.9 on the Richter scale hit Afghanistan on Saturday morning, resulting in tremors being felt across various regions of Jammu and Kashmir.
As per reports from the Meteorological Department, the epicentre was identified in the border area between Afghanistan and Tajikistan, situated at a depth of 86 km. The earthquake occurred at a latitude of 36.13°N and longitude of 71.38°E.
Although tremors were experienced in multiple locations within J&K, there have been no indications of injuries or property damage. Nevertheless, officials are monitoring the situation closely.
In the wake of the tremors, many individuals evacuated their homes and workplaces in a state of alarm. Residents reported feeling the vibrations for several seconds and took to social media to share their experiences and inform their loved ones.
The Kashmir region is known for being seismically active and has faced severe earthquakes in its history.
For instance, on October 8, 2005, an earthquake of similar intensity—5.9 on the Richter scale—hit the area at 8:50 a.m. The epicentre was near Muzaffarabad, leading to widespread devastation and claiming over 80,000 lives on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC).
Experts have long discussed the susceptibility of this region. Traditional structures in Kashmir, made from mud, timber, and bricks, were deemed more resilient to earthquakes compared to modern cement-concrete buildings erected over the last seventy years.
The Chenab Valley area, which encompasses Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, and Reasi districts, has witnessed frequent seismic events over the past decade. Numerous residential and government structures have sustained damage during these occurrences, prompting ongoing relief and rehabilitation initiatives from local authorities.
While some seismologists caution about the potential for a major earthquake in the future, others assert that accurately predicting such events remains scientifically impractical.
