An earthquake of magnitude 7.4 on the Richter
scale occurred on 8th October, 2005 at 0920 hours with its epicentre located
at Latitude 34.6 degree north and Longitude 37.0 degree east near Muzaffarabad.
Because of its impact, large parts of the State of Jammu & 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.
The State of Jammu & Kashmir has
been the worst affected. Uri and Tangdhar in Baramulla and Kupwara districts
respectively bore the brunt of the earthquake and reported heavy casualties
in terms of human lives and extensive damage to property.
Following the main earthquake, 53 aftershocks of magnitudes above 5.0 on the Richter scale, are reported to have occurred so far in the affected areas. This includes 02 aftershocks of magnitude 6.0 each on the Richter scale. The last aftershock occurred on 19/10/05 at 21.21 hours (IST) hours which had an intensity of 5.1 on the Richter scale.
The India Meteorological Department forecast suggests that :
- During the past 24 hours, fair weather conditions prevailed over Jammu & Kashmir.
- Both maximum and minimum temperatures continued to remain below normal by 1-30 C over different parts of the state.
- Dry weather conditions will continue over the state upto 23rd October 2005 and light to moderate rainfall/snow fall is likely at a few places from 24th onwards.
IMPACT OF EARTHQUAKE
Deaths/injuries
1,308 persons are reported to have lost their lives so far due to the earthquake, as per following details:-
1,206 civilians (1189 in Srinagar Division, 17 in Jammu Division).
102 Defence and Central Para Military Forces personnel (i.e. Army-45, BSF- 09 and BRO - 04, Porters/Labourers - 44).
6,622 persons (6,152 in Srinagar Division, 148 in Jammu Division and 322 Defence and Central Para Military Forces personnel) are reported to be injured.
Army 12 and 21 BRO personnel are still reported missing.
Damage to Property
37,607 buildings/houses -- 36,693 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.
An officer from MHA has been positioned at Srinagar to coordinate the relief efforts with the State Government.
An Inter-Ministerial Central Team was deputed to the State between 11th to 14th October to make a comprehensive assessment of the damage caused by the earthquake and assistance required by the State Government. The report of the Central Team is awaited.
The Union Home Secretary visited Srinagar on 19/10/05 to review with the State administration the ongoing relief and rehabilitation measures undertaken in earthquake affected areas.
The Cabinet reviewed the status of relief operations in its meeting held on 20/10/2005.
The Home Secretary conducted a Press Conference on relief operations in J & K on 21/10/2005.
(pdf* format - 153 KB)