Earthquake tremors felt in Jammu and Kashmir

A 5.9 magnitude earthquake struck the Jammu and Kashmir region today and in many parts of Punjab and Haryana on Sunday. The epicenter of the earthquake was reported to be in the border region between Afghanistan and Tajikistan, measuring at coordinates 71.17°E and 36.64°N. The seismic event occurred at a depth of approximately 220 kilometres.

According to initial reports from the GeoforschungsZentrum (GFZ), a renowned seismic research institution, the quake originated on the Afghanistan-Tajikistan border and sent tremors through Jammu and Kashmir.

As news of the earthquake spread, people in Jammu and Kashmir, as well as neighbouring areas like Swat, Peshawar, Batgram, Dir Bala, Swabi and Mardan, were seized with fear, prompting them to evacuate their homes to seek security.

Stay tuned for more details on this developing story.

BEFORE AN EARTHQUAKE

• Identify safe places: Identify safe areas in and around your home, workplace, or school. These places should be away from windows and objects that could fall and cause harm, such as bookshelves and heavy furniture.
• Secure your home: Take measures to secure your home, such as securing heavy furniture, appliances, and objects that could fall during an earthquake. Check for cracks in walls, foundations, and ceilings and get them repaired as soon as possible.
• Prepare an emergency kit: Have an emergency kit ready, which should include a first-aid kit, flashlight, water, non-perishable food, a radio, and extra batteries.
• Educate yourself: Learn more about earthquakes, their causes, and the areas that are prone to earthquakes. Educate yourself on what to do during an earthquake and the steps you should take afterward.

DURING AN EARTHQUAKE

• Drop, cover, and hold on: Drop to the ground, take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture, and hold on until the shaking stops. If you cannot take cover under a table or desk, cover your head and neck with your arms.
• Stay indoors: If you are indoors, stay there until the shaking stops. Avoid going outside, as you could be injured by falling debris.
• Stay away from windows and other hazards: Move away from windows, mirrors, and other objects that could shatter and cause harm. Stay away from shelves, cabinets, and other objects that could fall.
• Be prepared for aftershocks: Earthquakes can be followed by aftershocks. Be prepared for these by staying alert and staying away from potential hazards.

AFTER AN EARTHQUAKE:

• Check for injuries: Check yourself and others for injuries. Provide first aid if necessary and seek medical attention if required.
• Check your surroundings: Check your surroundings for damage, including cracks in walls, foundations, and ceilings. Check for gas leaks, water leaks, and electrical damage.
• Listen for updates: Listen to the radio or television for updates and instructions from emergency services.
• Be prepared for aftershocks: Aftershocks can occur after an earthquake. Be prepared for these and take the necessary precautions.

During an earthquake, it’s important to take the appropriate safety measures to protect yourself and others around you. Here are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind:

DOs:

• Drop to the ground: Get down and cover your head and neck with your hands and arms. Stay in this position until the shaking stops.
• Take cover: If possible, take cover under a sturdy table or desk. Stay away from windows and heavy objects that could fall.
• Stay inside: Do not try to leave the building until the shaking stops, unless you are in immediate danger (e.g. near windows that could shatter).
• Hold on: If you can’t take cover under a desk or table, hold onto something sturdy until the shaking stops.
• Stay calm: Try to remain as calm as possible and reassure others around you.

DON’Ts:

• Don’t panic: Although it may be frightening, try to remain calm and avoid panicking.
• Don’t use elevators: If you’re inside a building, don’t use the elevators during an earthquake.
• Don’t stand near windows: Stay away from windows, mirrors, or anything that could shatter and cause injury.
• Don’t go outside: Do not attempt to leave the building until the shaking stops, unless you are in immediate danger.
• Don’t use matches or candles: Avoid using matches or candles, as gas leaks may occur during an earthquake.

If you are in a moving vehicle, stop as quickly and safely as possible.

• Move your car onto the shoulder or sidewalk, away from utility poles, overhead wires, and underpasses or overpasses.
• Stay in the car and set the parking brake. A car can shake violently on its springs, but it’s a good place to stay until the shaking stops.
• Turn on the radio to receive emergency broadcast information.
• If an electrical line falls on the car, stay inside until a trained person removes the cable.
• When it is safe to drive again, be aware of hazards created by the earthquake, such as broken pavement, downed utility poles and lines, rising water levels, fallen overpasses, or collapsed bridges.

By following these guidelines, you can stay safe before, during, and after an earthquake. It’s important to always be prepared and stay informed about earthquake safety.

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