Srinagar, June 14: A day after a 5.4 magnitude quake hit the Doda district of the Union territory, four fresh earthquakes jolted the Jammu division in less than 24 hours, triggering panic among residents,
Katra also felt 4.3 magnitude tremors on wee hours of Wednesday.
The fresh earthquakes have prompted the administration to shut down educational institutions in twin districts of Doda and Kishtwar.
Residents in the Doda and Kishtwar districts were seen rushing towards open fields and praying for the safety of their loved ones and communities as the aftershocks continued.
The first earthquake, measuring 4.3 on the Richter Scale, was felt at 2.20 a.m. on June 14, according to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS).
“Earthquake of Magnitude: 4.3, occurred on intervening night of June 13-14 at 02:20:59 IST, Lat: 33.14 and Long: 75.79, Depth: 10 km, Location: 81km ENE of Katra, Jammu and Kashmir,” it said.
Second earthquake magnitude:3.5, occurred on Wednesday at 07:56:48 IST, Lat: 33.12 and Long: 75.79, Depth: 10 km ,Location: 81km E of Katra.
At 8.29 a.m., a 3.3 magnitude earthquake was recorded in Kishtwar. According to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS), its epicentre was at a depth of five kilometres.
Today, 16:00:03 IST, Lat: 33.17 & Long: 75.86, Depth: 5 Km, Location: Kishtwar, there was a 3.4 magnitude earthquake.
The four fresh earthquakes hit a day after high-intensity tremors jolted the Doda district.
In response to the prevailing situation, the District Administration, Doda has ordered the closure of all schools in Thathri, Gandoh and Bhaderwah education zones on Wednesday.
The decision aims to prioritize the safety and well-being of students amid the on-going seismic activity.
The Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) of Bhaderwah, DilmirChowdhary has appealed to the residents not to panic, as it could exacerbate the situation. Instead, he advised people to take precautionary measures to prevent any untoward incidents.
Purushottam Kumar, Chief Education Officer (CEO), Doda told Rising Kashmir that “in view of aftershocks, we have closed down all the schools in the district”.
“There is nothing to panic about and people should stay on ground floors. We expect aftershocks after a big earthquake,” he said.
Kumar said the closure may disrupt the regular academic routine and the District Administration is committed to mitigating potential risks and safeguarding the educational community.
Officials are working hard to keep a close eye on the situation, collaborating with relevant departments to ensure timely communication and action.
Similarly, officials in Kishtwar closed schools in the district as a precaution.
The two fresh earthquakes occurred just a day after a 5.4 magnitude earthquake shook the Doda district.
Tuesday’s tremors damaged several buildings in the mountainous districts of Doda and Kishtwar. Five people were injured, including two schoolchildren.
The earthquake was widely felt in the Jammu and Kashmir region and neighbouring states.
According to the National Centre for Seismology, Jammu and Kashmir has been in seismic Zone V, or a very high-risk zone, for the past two decades.
Prof. S.K. Pandita of the Department of Geology, a well-known geologist and researcher, told Rising Kashmir that Jammu and Kashmir falls within the earthquake zone.
“We must remain prepared for such disasters. More casualtyis frequently reported as a result of faulty building plans or designs. We can avoid casualties if we follow the National Disaster Management Department’s recommendations and seismic codes,” he said.
According to Prof. Pandita, major areas of both Srinagar and Jammu cities are unplanned. To overcome loss, we should focus on these factors. Tremors were also felt in the Jammu region in 2005. He believes that there is a need for increased public awareness.
