11 earthquakes in 24 hours; expert stresses enforcing building codes
SRINAGAR, DEC 19: Jammu and Kashmir witnessed at least 11 earthquakes in the past 24 hours, highlighting the Union Territory’s susceptibility to natural disasters.
As per the official details at least 11 earthquakes have been recorded in J&K. However, no report of casualty or damage to property has been received so far.
According to official figures of the Indian Meteorological Department over 30 earthquakes occur on an average annually in Jammu and Kashmir. Last five years, around 150 earthquakes hit J&K mostly in a magnitude of 3-5.
Mohammad Amin, a Kashmir-based geologist, said this part of the Himalayas has been facing frequent earthquakes due to active seismic activity.
“Studies indicate that a high magnitude earthquake could occur in Kashmir Himalayas but we can’t predict the timing. Since we have a fragile ecosystem we need adequate safeguards to minimize the damages,” he said.
Elaborating further he stresses enforcing building codes. “We have to build earthquake-resistant structures. Building codes need to be followed.”
In 2005, an earthquake occurred in Muzaffarabad in Pakistan and also parts of J&K in India killing thousands of people.
An official of the Meteorological Department said that they have equipment through which they measure the magnitude and origin of an earthquake. “We can’t predict the timing, magnitude and origin of an earthquake. Since J&K is vulnerable to disasters, we have to be well prepared to deal with any such natural disaster,” he said.
