“There is nothing unusual about it (earthquake) and it is a routine activity, as we are in the Seismic Zone-V.
The state is prone to tremors measuring 5 and above on the Richter scale. The Bhaderwah and Thathri areas
of Doda district witnessed maximum impact of tremors today because these areas were close to the epicentre of the earthquake,” said Bhat over the phone from New Delhi.
Doda district of Jammu division and the entire Kashmir valley fall in the Seismic Zone-V while other parts of the state fall in Seismic Zone-IV. During the last 15 days, the state has felt tremors of the magnitude of 5 on the Richter scale for the fourth time.
“The state is prone to earthquakes and the possibility of earthquakes measuring more than 8.0 on the Richter scale can’t be ruled out,” Bhat said, adding that any earthquake with a magnitude of more than 8.0 would cause “immeasurable disaster” in the state.
The geologist said, “The state has been regularly witnessing tremors for the last one week and these may be aftershocks, a state where it (earthquake) subsides.”
He added: “Nothing could be predicated at this point. It could be an indication or pre-shocks of a major earthquake in the days to come.”
Bhat said the people were required not to panic and proper awareness among the public about the earthquakes could hold the key for less destruction in case of a high-magnitude earthquake.
“There is a need to raise earthquake-resistant structures to reduce the magnitude of loss to human life and property in the near future,” he said and regretted that the preparedness of the state government to deal with the situation after massive earthquakes was not effective and satisfactory so far.
The state administration had been able to get amended the bylaws of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation where no new construction would be allowed within the municipal limits if the structure was not earthquake resistant. Except Srinagar district, no other town has so far formulated any plan for raising the earthquake-resistant structures.
(TNS)
