3.6-magnitude earthquake in Kulgam highlights Kashmir seismic risks
A shallow tremor in south Kashmir has prompted scientists to call for better disaster preparedness and hazard mapping.
A 3.6-magnitude earthquake struck DamhalHanjipora in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district at 1:00:46 am on Friday, according to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS). The tremor occurred at a depth of 10 km, according to a report by Greater Kashmir.
Prof Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, Vice Chancellor of the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), said the earthquake serves as a reminder of the active tectonic setting in Kashmir. He noted that while the magnitude was minor, the shallow depth made the tremors felt in nearby areas.
Riyaz Ahmad Mir, a scientist at the National Institute of Hydrology’s Western Himalayan Regional Centre in Jammu, said the Kulgam area is influenced by tectonic structures like the Jhelum Fault and the Balapur Fault. He added that the southwestern PirPanjal is also considered tectonically active.
Much of Kashmir is located in Seismic Zone V, which is the highest hazard category under current Indian classifications. Parts of the Chenab Valley, including Doda, Ramban and Kishtwar, also fall in Zone V, while Rajouri and Poonch are in Zone IV.
Mir stated that broad regional zoning might oversimplify local variations in risk. He suggested that more precise mapping of active faults and local seismic microzonation are needed to evaluate risks across the Himalaya.
Experts have recommended the strict enforcement of building codes designed to resist earthquakes, alongside regular safety drills in public institutions and schools.