Earthquake In Jammu And Kashmir: Tremors of 3.6 Magnitude Shake Valley

An earthquake with a magnitude of 3.6 struck Jammu and Kashmir at 7:36 pm on Saturday. The National Center for Seismology reported that the quake's epicentre was located at a latitude of 32.96 degrees north and a longitude of 74.71 degrees east, with a depth of nine kilometres.

According to officials cited by PTI, there were no reports of casualties or property damage following the tremor in Jammu and Kashmir. This region is known for its seismic activity due to its location in the tectonically active Himalayan area.

Seismic Activity in the Region

In April, a stronger earthquake with a magnitude of 5.3 hit Pakistan, affecting parts of Kashmir as well. The tremors were felt in Srinagar, Jammu, and Shopian, but fortunately, no injuries or damage were reported. The quake had a depth of 10 kilometres.

A month earlier, in March, Kargil in Ladakh experienced an earthquake measuring 5.2 on the Richter scale. Tremors were also felt in Jammu and Kashmir during this event. The National Centre for Seismology recorded the quake's depth at 15 kilometres.

Seismic Zones in India

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has classified India's regions into four seismic zones based on historical data and tectonic features. Zone V is the most seismically active, while Zone II has the lowest risk. Leh and Ladakh fall under Seismic Zone-IV, indicating high vulnerability to earthquakes.

Residents from areas like Jammu and Srinagar often share their experiences of tremors on social media platforms. These regions are part of the Himalayan belt where seismic activities are relatively common due to ongoing tectonic movements.

India's classification system helps in understanding and preparing for potential seismic events across different regions. It is crucial for planning infrastructure and ensuring safety measures are in place to mitigate risks associated with earthquakes.