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.

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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