Strong earthquake hits Jammu and Kashmir, magnitude 4.6 on Richter scale; people rush out of homes

Srinagar (The Uttam Hindu): A moderate earthquake struck the Kashmir Valley on Monday, triggering panic among residents who rushed out of their homes. The tremor measured 4.6 on the Richter scale and was felt across several areas due to its epicentre being located within the valley.

According to officials from the Disaster Management Authority, the earthquake occurred at around 5:35 am, with its epicentre in Budgam district. Since the epicentre was located inside the valley, close to the capital Srinagar about 21 kilometres away the tremors were widely felt and caused concern among locals.

People reported that doors and windows began shaking, prompting them to step outside their houses in fear. Authorities said that information regarding any possible damage to property or infrastructure was being collected, and no immediate reports of casualties were received.

The tremors reminded many of the devastating earthquake of October 8, 2005, which measured 7.6 on the Richter scale. That powerful quake had its epicentre in Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and was felt as far as Tajikistan, Xinjiang, and Afghanistan. More than 80,000 people lost their lives in that disaster, while hundreds of thousands were rendered homeless.

Before 2005, the Kashmir Valley had also witnessed a major earthquake on May 30, 1885, known as the Baramulla earthquake. Measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale, it caused widespread destruction and claimed at least 3,081 lives. The Kashmir Valley and Ladakh region up to Zanskar are considered seismically sensitive zones, having experienced several strong earthquakes in the past.