Kashmir Valley shaken by Sunday morning earthquake

SRINAGAR — A moderate earthquake rattled the picturesque Kashmir Valley on Sunday morning, causing panic among residents and triggering concerns about potential damage. The tremor struck at approximately 11:25 AM local time, jolting the region with a magnitude of 5.2 on the Richter scale, according to National Centre for Seismology.

The earthquake’s epicenter was located near Afghanistan-Tajikistan border region (71.17°E  36.64°N) with a depth of 220 km.

Reports from various districts across the valley indicated that people rushed out of their homes and buildings in fear, seeking open spaces for safety. Tremors were felt in Srinagar, the capital city of Jammu and Kashmir, as well as in surrounding areas.

So far, there have been no reports of casualties or major damages, but officials are closely monitoring the situation.

Social media platforms are flooded with posts shared by residents, speaking of the moments of panic and the swaying of furniture and objects in their homes.

Experts warn that while this earthquake was of moderate magnitude, it serves as a reminder of the seismic vulnerability of the region. Kashmir Valley lies in a seismically active zone and has experienced significant earthquakes in the past.

As the news of the earthquake spread, concerned relatives and friends reached out to their loved ones in the affected areas, seeking reassurance of their well-being.

The seismic activity has prompted renewed discussions on earthquake preparedness and the need for enhanced infrastructure to mitigate the potential impact of future tremors.