Evoking the memories of deadly 2005 earthquake, the Jammu and Kashmir was jolted by a strong earthquake on Monday afternoon, leading to death of three persons and injuries to 18 others. Apart from it, dozens of structures including houses and vehicles have been damaged in the 7.7 magnitude earthquake with its epicenter in Hindukush Mountains of Afghanistan.
The quake struck at around 2:40 PM and lasted for few minutes, creating panic and fear among people who came out of their houses, offices, schools and college in open grounds and roads.
There was complete chaos across the region with people reciting Quranic verses and seeking mercy from the Almighty.
The telephone and mobile phone services as well as electricity instantly was snapped causing more chaos and panic among people. The people were unable to call their dear ones so that they could ascertain about their well being. Many people were seen crying in fear, mostly women and kids, while several fainted. The buildings and structures shook due to the quake.
Official sources told Srinagar-based news agency Global News Service (GNS) that three people have been so far confirmed dead due to quake in the State. Out of three, two are women and they died of cardiac arrest while another one died after slipping from a height.
Fatima, 75, wife of Abdul Rashid, of Ahanger Mohalla Bijbehera in Anantnag suffered a major cardiac arrest due to quake. She was rushed to hospital but doctors declared her brought dead. Zoona, 65, wife of Ghulam Muhammad Najar, of Mohalla Mir Sahab Baramulla, also suffered cardiac arrest and died. A sixteen year old boy, Muhammad Ashraf, 16, died after he slipped from a height due to earthquake at Reasi in Jammu Division. His father was injured.
Besides, sources told GNS that 18 persons including a PDD employee has sustained injuries due to quake. As per details available with GNS, the PDD employee namely Manzoor Sofi was repairing some damage on an electricity poll and he fell down due to earthquake resulting in injuries to him. He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital and later removed to SKIMS. His condition is stated to be critical.
Two army personals were injured when a bunker at Ganjoo House in Sopore Town collapsed. Both were rushed to hospital. Two labourers identified as Bilal Lone of Khrew and Umar Shah of Kishtwar were injured when the wall of JK Cements Factory collapsed at Khrew in Pampore. A pedestrian identified as Firdous Sheikh was injured when a wall fell on him at Firdousabad in Batamaloo due to quake.
A boy namely Adil Gulzar Bhat of Khudpora on Kheram was critically injured after he jumped from second story of his house during earthquake. He was shifted to nearby hospital and later referred to Srinagar. Ten unidentified persons have been admitted in Bone and Joints Hospital Barzulla in injured condition soon after the quake, sources said.
As per reports, dozens of houses, mosques, government buildings, bridges and minarets have suffered damage due to quake. The Safakadal Bridge and Jehangir Chowk Flyover developed cracks. Furthermore, the Charar-e-Shareef Shrine has developed cracks due to the quake while another nearby shrine and a Jama Masjid has also suffered some damage. Three cars were damaged after the wall of GB Panth Sonwar hospital collapsed here.
As per reports, the Kashmir University’s Iqbal library and several classes rooms have suffered partial damage. The minaret of Khanqah shrine was also partially damaged. Besides, the Civil Secretariat has developed cracks due to quake.The walls of dozens of houses fell due to quake while in Boniyar area of Uri, several houses have been damaged.
Kashmir University meanwhile has postponed the exams scheduled for October 27. A spokesman of the varsity said that the fresh dates shall be notified separately. The electricity and all modes of communication have been restored across the region. (GNS)
