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18 tremors rock J&K in 6 months

FARZANA SYED. Dated: 4/23/2016 1:34:20 AM

Valley highly earthquake prone zone

SRINAGAR, April 22: In past six months around 18 earthquakes have jolted the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
A data available with the seismology section of state meteorological department revealed that 18 tremors of less, medium and higher magnitude were recorded in J&K since October last year.
Farooq Ahmad Bhat the assistant meteorologist at seismology department revealed that with J&K falling under the highest vulnerable earthquake zone of IV and v every year 28 to 30 tremors are recorded at an average.
The data provided by the department revealed that J&K state recorded two tremors which included 7.5 magnitude earthquake in the month of October last year while state witnessed three tremors in the month of November 2015.
“Three tremors occurred in the month of December. 5 earthquakes were recorded in J&K in the month of January while two earthquakes occurred in the month of February this year. No earthquake was recorded in the month of March however in the month of April so far two tremors have jolted Kashmir valley,” Farooq Ahmad said.
On April 10 a 6.8 magnitude earthquake jolted Kashmir valley leaving people in deep scare and panic. The earthquake resulted in damage to several structures across the valley. The epicenter of the tremor was Hindkush regions in Afghanistan.
“More than 90 percent of earthquakes felt in Kashmir valley have their epicenter in Hindkush regions in Afghanistan. The strong tremor of 7.5 magnitude on Oct 26 last year also had its epicenter in Hindkush mountains of Afghanistan. Since the region is at large distance therefore the damage is usually less,” Farooq revealed.
Pertinently based on the seismic activities of soil the earthquake prone areas are categorized in five zones which include zone I, II, II, IV and V.
Zone V denotes the areas which are highly vulnerable to earthquakes of high magnitude.
“Kashmir valley falls under zone IV however some areas including Srinagar city are categorized in Zone IV which implies highly earthquake prone zones. Zone IV is prone to highest magnitude earthquakes which can cause huge damage and devastation,” assistant meteorologist said.
A data of past 4 years reveals that 24 tremors were recorded in valley year 2013, 26 in year 2014 and 28 in 2015.
“Since valley is highly seismic vulnerable zone 2 to 3 tremors are recorded every month on an average. The earthquake of any intensity can strike anytime and any day since there is mo available predictor in this regard,” Farooq Ahmad said.