Five earthquakes rattles Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh
New Delhi, December 19: A sequence of seismic activity rocked Jammu and Kashmir, alongside Ladakh, witnessing five consecutive earthquakes—a cluster of three in Zanskar and two in Kishtwar—within a brief interval.
Initiating the tremors, a 5.5 magnitude earthquake struck at 3:48 pm on Monday in Zanskar, Kargil, followed by subsequent aftershocks.
Confirmed by the National Centre for Seismology (NCS), the initial 5.5 magnitude quake was trailed by aftershocks at 4:01 pm, measuring 3.8 and 4.8 on the Richter Scale in Kishtwar region, Jammu and Kashmir. Additionally, a 3.8 magnitude tremor hit Kargil at 4:01 pm, followed by another earthquake registering 3.6 magnitude in Kishtwar at 4:18 pm. At 4:44 pm, Zanskar, Kargil, experienced a 3.4 magnitude quake.
While there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage, Kishtwar's deputy magistrate, Devansh Yadav, confirmed the absence of injuries or loss of life.
Geological expert GM Bhat highlighted ongoing seismic activity in Kishtwar and Kargil regions, underscoring the continuity of 3 to 4 magnitude quakes over the past few months.
Bhat correlated the seismic occurrences in Kargil and Zanskar, suggesting a common tectonic belt. He also noted an unusual surge in hot spring waters in Chumathang, Nyoma sub-division, attributing it possibly to the seismic activity.
Ladakh's Chumathang area, renowned for its hot sulphur springs, witnessed an unexpected rise in water levels, drawing the attention of local authorities. Geological Survey of India and Wadia Institute have been called upon to investigate this unusual phenomenon.
Given their location in seismic zones 4 and 5, Jammu and Kashmir, along with Ladakh, remain susceptible to high-intensity earthquakes, necessitating continuous vigilance and research efforts into these geological occurrences.
- With inputs from agencies
