A 2.7 magnitude earthquake struck Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday at 3:14 PM, originating at a depth of 5 kilometers. While the tremor caused people to rush outdoors, there were no reported casualties.
Jammu-Kashmir: Mild tremors were felt in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday afternoon. According to the National Center for Seismology (NCS), the earthquake struck at 3:14 PM and measured 2.7 on the Richter scale. The epicenter was 5 kilometers below Kishtwar. The tremors prompted people to evacuate their homes, but fortunately, there was no loss of life or property.
Earthquake Tremors in Kishtwar
The earthquake tremors felt in Kishtwar district were relatively low in magnitude, but still caused fear among the residents. The earthquake measured 2.7 on the Richter scale, with its epicenter at a depth of 5 kilometers. Although no significant damage occurred, the incident instilled fear, prompting a swift evacuation of homes.
Most of Kishtwar and the Kashmir Valley fall under seismic zone 5, a high-risk zone. This signifies a consistent probability of earthquakes, and the potential for powerful tremors in the future.
Why are Shallow Earthquakes More Dangerous?
Shallow earthquakes, occurring closer to the surface, are more dangerous than deeper earthquakes. The energy from these tremors reaches the earth's surface directly, causing ber vibrations and potentially greater damage to structures. Deeper earthquakes lose energy and have a less impactful effect on the surface. Although the Kishtwar earthquake was of low magnitude, it still created panic among the population.
What to Do During an Earthquake?
If you reside in an earthquake-prone area, it's crucial to know how to react during an earthquake:
Drop: Upon feeling the tremors, immediately drop to the ground to maintain balance.
Cover: Seek shelter under a sturdy table or desk. If this isn't possible, cover your head and neck with your arms.
Hold On: Stay away from windows and doors to avoid injuries from shattering glass.
Avoid Elevators: Do not use elevators during an evacuation, as they may become trapped. Use the stairs instead.
Stay Away from Glass and Exterior Walls: Keep a safe distance from objects that could fall, such as glass or exterior walls.
Earthquake Risk in Kishtwar and Kashmir Valley
Kishtwar and the Kashmir Valley fall under seismic zone 5, categorized as a high-risk area. The region experiences frequent earthquakes, and the likelihood of powerful tremors in the future remains significant. Therefore, earthquake preparedness is crucial for residents.
Earthquake Safety Measures
Your safety is paramount during an earthquake. Implementing earthquake safety measures at home is essential:
Strengthen your home: Reinforce your home's structure to withstand earthquake tremors.
Prepare an emergency kit: Stockpile essential supplies like water, food, medications, and a flashlight.
Train your family: Educate all family members about earthquake safety and practice emergency procedures.
