A 5.8 magnitude earthquake rocked Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday, sending shockwaves through the region and prompting residents to evacuate buildings in a swift, coordinated response.
5.8 magnitude earthquake hits Jammu and Kashmir
The National Centre for Seismology (NCS) reported the seismic event occurred at 4:19 p.m., with its epicentre located in the Afghanistan-Tajikistan border region. The earthquake struck 209 kilometres deep within the earth’s crust, at coordinates 36.62 degrees North latitude and 71.32 degrees East longitude.
Tremors reverberated across the Kashmir Valley, causing immediate public alarm as people rapidly evacuated homes and workplaces. Despite the intense geological movement, local authorities confirmed no immediate casualties or structural damage.
Here’s what the expert says:
“The earthquake’s magnitude and depth warrant careful monitoring,” said a local geological expert, emphasizing the region’s complex seismic landscape.
Kashmir’s geological history reveals a troubling pattern of devastating earthquakes. The most catastrophic event on October 8, 2005, measuring 7.2 on the Richter scale, claimed over 80,000 lives across both sides of the Line of Control, with Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir suffering destruction.
The region’s architectural evolution has increased vulnerability to seismic events. Traditional mud structures historically demonstrated remarkable earthquake resilience, whereas modern concrete and reinforced cement buildings have introduced new structural risks.
Investigation in on for further tremors
Geologists continue investigating periodic tremors in the Chenab Valley, focusing on districts including Doda, Kishtwar, Reasi, and Ramban. These ongoing seismic activities have intensified scientific interest over the past 15 years.
While Thursday’s earthquake did not result in immediate casualties, it serves as a critical reminder of the region’s geological volatility and the importance of robust emergency preparedness.
The incident underscores the necessity for continuous geological research and comprehensive disaster management strategies in earthquake-prone regions like Jammu and Kashmir.
