Doda District of J&K Shaken by Two Earthquakes, No Damage Reported
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Doda, April 12 (NationPress) In the early hours of Sunday, two significant earthquakes jolted the Doda district in Jammu and Kashmir, sending tremors throughout the area.
The initial quake registered a magnitude of 4.6 on the Richter scale and was detected at approximately 4:22 a.m., occurring at a depth of 10 km.
A second tremor, measuring 3.0 in magnitude, followed shortly at around 4:37 a.m., with its epicenter pinpointed at latitude 33.090°N and longitude 75.928°E, also at a depth of 10 km.
Doda is situated in the seismically active Himalayan belt, where low-intensity earthquakes are frequent due to the ongoing collision of tectonic plates.
As a result, the region often experiences such tremors, which typically do not cause significant damage or intense ground shaking.
Adjacent areas like Kishtwar and Bhaderwah also experience similar seismic activity, although most events remain minor and have little impact.
Experts note that the region's susceptibility stems from the continuous interaction between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, designating the entire Himalayan arc as one of the world’s most earthquake-prone regions, including parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Nepal.
According to the revised 2025 seismic classification and IS 1893 Earthquake Design Code, the Himalayan belt has been classified as India's highest-risk Zone VI, indicating heightened seismic hazards.
Reports suggest that over 60 percent of the country is classified under moderate-to-high earthquake risk zones, raising concerns about potential major earthquakes in identified seismic gaps.
Authorities, including the National Disaster Management Authority and the Bureau of Indian Standards, emphasize the importance of preparedness strategies, such as earthquake-resistant building practices, early warning systems, public awareness initiatives, and regular community drills.
For live updates and seismic information, citizens are encouraged to visit the National Centre for Seismology website or download its mobile application.