Kashmir News Trust #KNT
A major earthquake was felt in Kashmir Valley. Reports said that tremors lasting several seconds were also felt in Delhi and other parts of Northern India as a strong 6.5 magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan on Tuesday night.
Jammu Kashmir Government issued helpline numbers asking people to share information about the damage if any. No major damage has been reported anywhere from Srinagar, however, in North Kashmir minor damages to some houses have been reported. So far, there has been no report of any casualty.
The tremors have also been felt in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
A 6.8 magnitude quake rocked Afghanistan and strong tremors were also felt in Pakistan, reported Geo News. It reported that tremors were felt in Punjab, Kyber Pakhtunwala and Balochistan, including Islamabad.
An official confirmed to news agency Kashmir News Trust that there was a communication breakdown for 15 to 20 seconds as people failed to connect to their relatives and dear ones on cell phones. The Internet worked smoothly even after the massive earthquake.
The official added that some buildings have developed cracks due to the earthquake.
The earthquake with an estimated magnitude of 6.5 struck around 10:17 pm with its epicentre near Jurm, which is about 300 kms north of Kabul, the US Geological Survey said.
This is an earthquake prone region where six-plus earthquakes are not rare. A similar 6.1 magnitude earthquake had occurred very close to this place in 2018 as well, which again was felt through most of northern India.
Initial reports said the tremors were felt in India, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, China, Afghanistan, and Kyrgyzstan. The epicentre was at a depth of 187.6 kms, which explained why the tremors were felt in such far off places.
Media reports said that people in Delhi, and Punjab were seen on roads even after the earthquake as they are scared of aftershocks.
Reports said that in Jammu and Kashmir people ran out of their homes as the buildings started shaking. Pictures and videos shared on social media showed people on the streets and roads. [KNT]
