An earthquake measuring 3.5 on the Richter Scale struck Kupwara district in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday afternoon at 1:41 PM IST, according to the National Center for Seismology.
The tremors were felt in parts of north Kashmir, though there were no immediate reports of damage to property or loss of life. Authorities have confirmed that the quake was of low intensity and localized in nature.
Kupwara, located near the Line of Control (LoC), is part of a region that falls under seismic zone IV and V, making it vulnerable to frequent tremors. In recent years, Jammu and Kashmir has experienced several mild to moderate earthquakes, underscoring the need for preparedness in the Himalayan region, which lies in one of the most seismically active zones of the world.
Local residents reported mild shaking that lasted only a few seconds. Emergency services have been placed on alert, though officials said there is no cause for alarm at this stage.
Seismologists note that quakes of this magnitude are common in the region and generally do not cause structural damage. However, they serve as a reminder of the seismic sensitivity of the Himalayas and the importance of strengthening infrastructure to withstand larger shocks in the future.
