An earthquake of magnitude 7.4 on Richter Scale occurred on 8th October, 2005 at 0920 hours with its epicentre near Muzaffarabad in Pakistan. Because of its impact, large parts of the State of Jammu and Kashmir were affected causing loss of lives and extensive damage to property. The earthquake also affected some parts of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh and its impact was felt in most parts of Northern India.
Since then, 38 aftershocks of magnitudes above 5.0 on the Richter scale have been reported. This includes 02 aftershocks of magnitude 6.0 each on the Richter scale. The last aftershock occurred at 2305 hours on 11th October 2005 which was of magnitude 5.0 on the Richter scale.
The weather conditions in the State have suddenly worsened due to widespread rains in the valley. The temperature in the quake-affected areas in Uri and Tangdhar has also started plummeting. This is causing difficulties in the ongoing rescue and relief operations in the State, adding to the problems faced by the affected population.
The India Meteorological Department has forecast light to moderate and fairly widespread rains/thundershowers over Jammu & Kashmir in the next 48 hours. Also moderate snowfall is expected over the higher reaches in the state.
IMPACT OF EARTHQUAKE
Deaths/injuries
1195 civilians (1178 in Srinagar Division, 17 in Jammu Division) have lost their lives.
72 defence and para-military force personnel (i.e.Army-24, BRO- 40 and BSF-08) have also lost their lives. In addition, 13 porters with BRO are also reported dead.
5,944 persons (5,796 in Srinagar Division and 148 in Jammu Division) are reported to be injured.
15 persons (i.e. 14-Army and 01 BSF personnel) are reported to be missing.
Damage to Property
In all 32,723 buildings/houses - 31,809 in Srinagar Division and 914 in Jammu Division - are reported to have been damaged. These figures include completely as well as partially damaged structures.
ACTION TAKEN BY MHA
The MHA Control Room is functioning round the clock and is closely monitoring the situation caused by the earthquake in the affected parts of the country.
A Joint Secretary from the Ministry of Home Affairs and one more officer have been deputed to Srinagar to coordinate the relief efforts with the State Government.
An Inter-Ministerial Central Team has been deputed to the State on 11th October for making an on the spot assessment of the damage caused by the earthquake and requirement of funds.
RELIEF MATERIAL SUPPLIED TO THE STATE
The details of the tents, blankets, medicines and other essential stores airlifted to Jammu and Kashmir during the last 04 days are:-
RELIEF MATERIAL AVAILABLE FOR AIRLIFTING ON 13/10/2005
Blankets - Adampur - 18,500
Tarpaulines- Adampur - 953
Drinking Water - Delhi -22,800 Ltrs
Tents(from CPMFs) - Delhi -1,021
(The MHA has placed an order for procurement of 5000 tents to be supplied by the firm at Kanpur @ 1000 per day)
INTER- MINISTERIAL COORDINATION MEETING
The Home Secretary held an Inter-Ministerial Coordination meeting where representatives from concerned Ministries, Departments and Organisations were present. The Home Secretary reviewed the availability of relief material and measures adopted for their expeditious transportation from different parts of the country to Jammu & Kashmir for quick placement and distribution in the quake-affected areas.