On Saturday, a 5.3-magnitude earthquake struck parts of Pakistan at approximately 1:00 PM, according to the National Center for Seismology (NCS). The tremors, which had a shallow depth of 10 kilometers, were felt across several regions of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), including major cities such as Srinagar, Jammu, and Shopian. Despite the intensity of the tremors, no reports of casualties or significant property damage have been confirmed in the Kashmir Valley, as per PTI, quoting an unnamed official.

Details of the Earthquake

The earthquake’s epicenter was located at coordinates 33.70° N latitude and 72.43° E longitude, placing it in Pakistan. The tremors radiated outward, reaching multiple areas in the region, including the northern regions of J&K, which were particularly affected. The depth of just 10 km meant the earthquake’s impact was more intense in the immediate vicinity of the epicenter, causing people in Srinagar and other parts of Kashmir to feel strong shaking.

The tremors caught many residents by surprise, causing widespread panic as buildings swayed and rattled. Despite the initial shock, there were no immediate reports of any fatalities or damage to infrastructure, thanks in part to the preparedness of local authorities and seismic monitoring systems.

Social Media Reactions and Video Footage

Following the quake, a flurry of social media activity highlighted the widespread fear and chaos experienced by people across both Pakistan and Kashmir. Horrifying videos began to circulate on social media platforms, showing the terrifying effects of the earthquake in real-time.

One video that gained significant attention shows a man and a child inside a grocery store in Pakistan. Suddenly, the camera shakes violently as the store’s shelves rattle. The man, visibly alarmed, rushes to evacuate the child and himself from the store, seeking refuge outside. This dramatic footage gives a sense of the intensity of the earthquake and the panic that gripped locals as the tremors shook buildings and structures.

Another video, posted by the account Weather Monitor, shows a large group of people gathered on the roads after experiencing the tremors. The caption of the video described the widespread fear caused by the sudden earthquake, stating that the unexpected tremors forced many residents to abandon buildings and seek safety outdoors. The video shows how the streets quickly filled with people trying to distance themselves from potentially collapsing structures.

In Islamabad, CCTV footage captured the moment the earthquake struck. The video shows people in various parts of the locality instinctively ducking under cover or running into open spaces. The scenes reflected the general panic that accompanied the tremors, with people visibly shaken and unsure of the severity of the earthquake.

Impact on Jammu and Kashmir

Although the earthquake’s epicenter was located across the border in Pakistan, the tremors were felt quite strongly in different parts of Jammu and Kashmir. Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, along with other towns such as Jammu and Shopian, experienced noticeable shaking. Residents in these areas were jolted from their routine activities, and many rushed to open spaces as a precautionary measure.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration immediately began monitoring the situation to assess any potential damage to infrastructure or the safety of residents. Fortunately, reports suggested that no major structural damages were reported from these areas, and local authorities were quick to reassure the public that all necessary safety measures were in place.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and local authorities were placed on high alert to respond quickly in case the situation worsened or aftershocks were triggered. A key factor in mitigating any potential damage was the relatively modern construction techniques employed in many parts of Kashmir, which are designed to withstand seismic activity.

Reassurance from Officials

The National Center for Seismology and other regional earthquake monitoring agencies emphasized the importance of staying calm and following safety protocols during earthquakes. The NCS issued a brief statement confirming the details of the earthquake and assured the public that it had a limited depth and was not expected to cause long-term damage.

Dr. K. B. Verma, a senior scientist with the NCS, explained that such moderate earthquakes are not uncommon in this region, particularly given the tectonic activity along the Himalayan foothills. However, he also stressed the importance of preparedness and informed the public about the likelihood of aftershocks in the coming hours.

Earthquake Preparedness in the Region

In regions prone to seismic activity, such as Kashmir and northern Pakistan, earthquake preparedness is crucial. Over the years, both local and national authorities have worked to educate residents on how to respond during seismic events, particularly with regard to evacuation procedures and safe building practices.

Pakistan and Jammu and Kashmir have both implemented stronger building codes in recent years to ensure that structures can withstand earthquakes of varying magnitudes. Public awareness campaigns about earthquake safety, including the “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” protocol, have become part of school curricula and community outreach programs.

Despite these efforts, the challenge remains significant, given the unpredictable nature of seismic activity and the region’s vulnerability due to its location along the complex tectonic boundary between the Indian and Eurasian plates. In the past, the region has experienced devastating earthquakes, most notably the 2005 earthquake in Kashmir, which caused widespread destruction and loss of life. Lessons from such disasters have informed current safety standards and response strategies.

Conclusion

Saturday’s earthquake in Pakistan, with tremors felt across Jammu and Kashmir, serves as a reminder of the region’s vulnerability to seismic activity. While the 5.3-magnitude quake did not result in casualties or significant damage, the widespread fear and panic highlight the ongoing need for preparedness and education on earthquake safety.

The videos shared online underscored the shock and panic that naturally follow such events, but they also demonstrated the resilience of local communities in responding to seismic risks. As authorities continue to monitor the situation and assess any potential aftershocks, residents in both Pakistan and Kashmir remain vigilant and prepared for any further seismic activity.