As Jammu and Kashmir is prone to disasters, at least 150 earthquakes have hit the Union Territory in the last 10 years.
There have been frequent earthquakes for the last four days. At least 11 tremors have been felt in Jammu and Kashmir for the last four days which has created a fear among people.
As per official figures, over 150 earthquakes hit Jammu and Kashmir for the last 10 years. However, most of them had been less than 5 magnitude.
Most parts of Jammu and Kashmir come under Seismic Zone V and are prone to earthquakes. Experts give varied reasons for earthquakes in J&K including various faults run through Kashmir and exploding of gases.
Jammu and Kashmir valley is vulnerable to disasters. At least 13 districts out of 100 districts in India have been identified as ‘multi hazard districts’ in Jammu and Kashmir.
According to the Indian Meteorological Department, most parts of Kashmir covering the districts of Srinagar, Ganderbal, Baramulla, Kupwara, Bandipora, Budgam, Anantnag and parts of Jammu region, Doda, Ramban, Kishtwar come under Seismic Zone V and are prone to earthquakes. While the rest of the J&K comes under Seismic Zone IV.
A researcher of Earth Sciences Mohammad Shahid said frequent earthquakes have proved that people and the government should be well prepared in dealing with such incidents.
He said most of the earthquakes that hit J&K had their origin in the Hindukush region of Afghanistan. “The aftershocks of big earthquakes are less than 4 magnitude,” he said.
“We need to take some measures like building earthquake resistant constructions,” he told news agency.
He said people should be well prepared for earthquakes.
Director Meteorological Department Sonam Lotus said J&K falls in the seismic zone of IV and V and people should be well prepared for earthquakes. “We can’t predict the timing, magnitude and place of an earthquake but we should be well prepared in dealing with any such natural disaster,” he added.