The National Centre for Seismology reported that two earthquakes struck Baramulla in Jammu and Kashmir. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported so far.
The first earthquake, with a magnitude of 4.9 on the Richter scale, occurred at approximately 6:45 am. The second tremor followed, measuring 4.8 in magnitude, with its epicenter at a depth of around 10 km. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation for any further developments, but there have been no immediate reports of casualties or major damage.
Earthquake Risk in India
India is highly susceptible to earthquakes due to its geographical location. The country is positioned on the Indian tectonic plate, which is constantly colliding with the Eurasian plate, leading to frequent seismic activity.
The northern and northeastern parts of India are particularly prone to earthquakes because of the mountainous terrain. India is categorized into four seismic zones, with Zones 4 and 5 being the most active. A significant portion of the northern and northeastern regions, including Jammu and Kashmir, falls under these high-risk zones.
Jammu and Kashmir, specifically, is situated in Zone 5, the most seismically active area on India’s earthquake vulnerability map. The combination of dense population and rugged terrain in this region increases the potential for damage during an earthquake.