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Twin Earthquakes Shake Jammu & Kashmir's Doda District, No Damage

Two earthquakes, measuring 4.6 and 3.0 on the Richter scale, struck the Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir in the early hours of Sunday. The tremors occurred in the seismically sensitive Himalayan belt, where frequent low-intensity quakes are common due to tectonic plate convergence. The entire Himalayan arc, including J&K, is classified in India's highest-risk seismic Zone VI. Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of earthquake preparedness, though no damage was reported from these events.

Key Points: Twin Earthquakes Hit J&K's Doda, No Damage Reported

  • Two quakes hit Doda, J&K
  • Magnitudes 4.6 and 3.0
  • No damage reported
  • Himalayan belt in highest-risk Zone VI
  • Authorities stress preparedness
2 min read

Twin earthquakes hit J&K's Doda, no damage reported

Two earthquakes, magnitudes 4.6 and 3.0, struck Doda district in Jammu & Kashmir early Sunday. No damage was reported in the seismically active Himalayan region.

"Such tremors are regularly recorded in the region and typically do not lead to significant damage or strong ground shaking. - Seismic Report"

Doda, April 12

Two earthquakes struck the Jammu and Kashmir district of Doda in the early hours of Sunday, triggering tremors across the region.

The first earthquake, measuring 4.6 on the Richter scale, was recorded at around 4:22 a.m. at a depth of 10 km.

Shortly after, a second tremor of 3.0 magnitude occurred at approximately 4:37 a.m., with its epicentre located at latitude 33.090°N and longitude 75.928°E, also at a depth of 10 km.

Doda lies in the seismically sensitive Himalayan belt, where frequent low-intensity earthquakes are common due to the ongoing convergence of tectonic plates.

As a result, such tremors are regularly recorded in the region and typically do not lead to significant damage or strong ground shaking.

Neighbouring areas, including Kishtwar and Bhaderwah, are also prone to similar seismic activity, although most incidents remain minor in nature and have limited impact.

Experts attribute the region's vulnerability to the continuous collision between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, making the entire Himalayan arc one of the most earthquake-prone zones in the world. This includes regions spanning Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Nepal.

Under the updated 2025 seismic classification and IS 1893 Earthquake Design Code, the Himalayan belt has been placed in India's highest-risk Zone VI, reflecting increased seismic hazards.

Reports indicate that over 60 per cent of the country falls under moderate-to-high earthquake risk zones, with concerns also being raised about the possibility of a major earthquake in identified seismic gaps.

Authorities, including the National Disaster Management Authority and the Bureau of Indian Standards, continue to stress the importance of preparedness measures such as earthquake-resistant construction, early warning systems, public awareness campaigns, and regular community drills.

For real-time updates and seismic data, officials have advised citizens to refer to the National Centre for Seismology website or mobile application.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
My cousin lives in Bhaderwah. She felt the tremors and called us, quite scared. It's good that these were minor, but the article is right – we need more public awareness and drills. Most people don't even know what to do during an earthquake.
R
Rohit P
The fact that over 60% of India is in moderate-to-high risk zones is alarming. We focus so much on other disasters, but earthquake preparedness in Himalayan states needs urgent attention and funding. Hope the early warning systems they mention are actually implemented on the ground.
S
Sarah B
The geological explanation is fascinating but also terrifying. The plates are constantly moving... It's a reminder that we're living on a dynamic planet. Glad everyone is safe this time.
V
Vikram M
While the report is reassuring, I have a respectful criticism. Media often says "no damage reported" quickly. In remote hilly areas, it takes time for damage assessments to come in. We should wait a day or two before declaring all clear. Just a thought.
K
Karthik V
Good to know about the NCS website/app for real-time data. Downloaded it. Every family in seismic zones should have this. Preparation can't be an afterthought. Jai Hind.

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