EARTHQUAKE SHOOK JAMMU AND KASHMIR, 1 DIED

Jammu, May 1 (Only Kashmir): The Jammu region was today struck by an earthquake in forenoon about  12.30 hours leading to death of one person and injuries to fifty nine persons, while one of the  critically injured  has been airlifted to Jammu Medical College Hospital.

"Earthquake of magnitude 5.7 occured in East kashmir, 17 kms NE of Bhaderwah. Coordinates 33.1N, 75.8E at 12.27 pm. May Allah protect us all, as we are unprepared." Aamir Ali a subject expert post on Social networking site.

            As per preliminary reports received from concerned deputy commissioners, one person died and six others were injured in Kishtwar district. Among those injured in the district one person has been airlifted to GMCH Jammu for specialised treatment.

            In Doda district, about 45 persons were injured, including highest 27 in Gandoh,  6 in Thathri , 8 in Bhaderwah and 4 in Doda Tehsils.

Similarly eight persons have reportedly been injured in Ramban district.           However there were no reports of injury and damage in other districts of Jammu region.

            The tremor also caused damage to some private and government buildings in the affected areas. 

            Meanwhile, the Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, who is supervising the relief and rescue operation, has dispatched twenty tents and 100 blankets to be provided to the people rendered houseless in the affected areas.

             The Div Com has also directed all the District Development Commissioners (DDC)s, especially to the most affected districts of Kishtwar, Doda and Ramban,  to constitute  Tehsil Level Officers teams to conduct detailed assessment of human loss and property , if any.  The district administrations have also been asked to activate Civil Defence Organisation and Red Cross Volunteers to lend hand in relief and rescue operations.

            The DDC have also been asked to accommodate the persons, if any rendered houseless be accommodated in Community Halls and other suitable government buildings.