On Tuesday morning, back-to-back earthquakes struck Jammu and Kashmir, with tremors felt in Baramulla and Kupwara. The first quake occurred at 6:45 AM, registering a magnitude of 4.9 on the Richter scale, with an epicenter 74 km from Baramulla at a depth of 5 km. A second quake followed at 6:52 AM with a magnitude of 4.8. Tremors were also felt in Poonch and surrounding areas, causing residents to rush outside, though no damage was reported.
In July, Baramulla experienced a 4.2 magnitude earthquake, while Kishtwar district also recorded tremors at a depth of 10 km, both without causing any damage.
Geographical risk factors
India is highly vulnerable to earthquakes due to its geographical location, sitting on the Indian tectonic plate, which is in constant collision with the Eurasian plate. This tectonic activity makes the country prone to frequent and sometimes severe earthquakes.
Seismic zones and high-risk areas
India is divided into four seismic zones, with the northern and northeastern regions being the most susceptible. These areas, characterised by mountainous terrain, predominantly fall under Seismic Zones 4 and 5, which are considered the most active.
Jammu and Kashmir: A seismic hotspot
Jammu and Kashmir are classified under Zone 5, the highest risk category in India's earthquake vulnerability map. The region's high population density, combined with its rugged terrain, significantly increases the potential damage from earthquakes, making it one of the most seismically dangerous areas in the country.
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