Earthquake brings back memories of deadly 2005 tremors in Kashmir


The earthquake that shook northern parts of India last night reminded people in the Valley of the earthquake that hit the region in 2005 that killed many people.

Experts fear these earthquakes are precursor to a big earthquake which could hit the region anytime in future and warned about a major tremor in the region as Jammu and Kashmir falls in the seismic Zone IV and V. (AFP File Photo/ Representational image)
Experts fear these earthquakes are precursor to a big earthquake which could hit the region anytime in future and warned about a major tremor in the region as Jammu and Kashmir falls in the seismic Zone IV and V. (AFP File Photo/ Representational image)

Experts fear these earthquakes are precursor to a big earthquake which could hit the region anytime in future and warned about a major earthquake in the region as J&K falls in the seismic Zone IV and V.

“The earthquake that occurred yesterday in Kashmir with a magnitude of 6.6 has caused widespread panic among the people of the region. This fear has been heightened due to the recent earthquake in Turkey, which resulted in thousands of deaths and injuries. The Kashmir valley region is located in a seismically active zone, and people have experienced devastating earthquakes in the past,” said an independent weather spotter, Faizan Arif, who also runs a weather channel.

He said the fear of a similar tragedy occurring in their own region has caused many people to be more sensitive and reactive to any seismic activity. “Additionally, the constant coverage of the Turkish earthquake in the media has created a sense of apprehension and worry among people globally, which has contributed to the heightened panic and fear in the Kashmir region. This could be one of the reasons. However, opinions always vary from person to person,” he said.

“We should focus on implementing the proper safety measures and constructing buildings that are resilient to earthquakes. By taking these steps, we can work towards minimising potential losses and damage caused by earthquakes,” he added.

Showkat Ahmad Khan, a city resident, said that people fear more here because they are aware that our place falls in the most sensitive zone. “From last couple of years there have been unconfirmed reports that big earthquake could hit region. So that is the cause panic.”

Though no loss of life was reported from anywhere in Kashmir due to the quake, dozens of buildings developed cracks. “After 2005 earthquake, people started constructing buildings and houses that can withstand the earthquakes. However, still there are numerous buildings which could collapse in case of any big earthquake,” said Zaid Ahmad, a structural engineer.

MET department said that epicenter of the earthquake was in Hindu Kush Region on the border of Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Soon after the earthquake, reports of three deaths in Tanghdar spread on the social media, however, officials termed it as a fake news.

“I am myself in Karnah. There is no loss of any life or property. The news spread on social media platform regarding three deaths, is fake, concocted and baseless. Please don’t spread such fake news,” tweeted the deputy commissioner, Kupwara, soon after the earthquake.