SRINAGAR: A seismic event measuring 4.3 on the Richter Scale struck the town of Katra in Jammu and Kashmir during the early hours of Wednesday, as confirmed by the National Centre for Seismology through a tweet. The earthquake occurred at approximately 2:15 am local time.
The National Centre for Seismology provided further details about the earthquake in their tweet. The seismic event had a magnitude of 4.3 and took place on June 15, 2023, at precisely 02:20:59 Indian Standard Time (IST). The coordinates of the epicentre were recorded as latitude 33.14 and longitude 75.79. The earthquake originated at a depth of 10 kilometres.
The National Centre for Seismology also stated that the earthquake’s epicentre was located approximately 81 kilometres east-northeast of Katra, situated in the Jammu and Kashmir region of India.
This is the second earthquake in the region in less than 24 hours.
On the afternoon of June 13, a significant earthquake rattled Jammu and Kashmir, causing tremors that were also felt in certain parts of Delhi. The earthquake registered a magnitude of 5.4 on the Richter scale and originated near Gandoh Bhalessa, located approximately 18 kilometres from the epicentre.
The earthquake’s epicentre was situated in the district of Doda, specifically in Thathri, Bhalessa, and Badherwah, which are positioned on the left side of the Chenab River. These areas experienced damage as a result of the earthquake. Notably, the Sub-district hospital located in Gandoh Bhalessa also suffered structural cracks due to the seismic activity. Fortunately, although fear and panic arose among those present, no injuries or significant incidents were reported.
In Thathri, numerous residential buildings and schools bore the brunt of the earthquake’s impact. Mohammad Sadiq Bhat, the Sarpanch of Ton in Thathri, shared that many houses suffered major damage, while schools under his Panchayat exhibited significant cracks, with one school building collapsing.
Other locations in the Doda district also experienced structural issues, with various official buildings developing cracks. In Bhaderwah, the earthquake inflicted damage on government buildings and residences, resulting in injuries to two individuals.
Authorities at the DC office in Doda stated that they had not yet received written reports concerning the extent of the damage. They emphasized that updates would be provided as soon as the information becomes available.
Furthermore, other parts of Kashmir reported damages as well. In the Kishtiwar area, numerous buildings suffered structural damage, with approximately 20 houses developing cracks. Efforts were made to relocate affected individuals to safer locations in light of the situation.
