Thirteen earthquakes in 5 days in J&K; what should one do for safety

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir saw two more mild tremors of magnitude 2.9 and 3.4, they were reported within over four-and-a-half hours on Saturday morning, Jammu and Kashmir so far have witnessed Thirteen earthquakes of mild intensity, officials said.

Luckily, there has not been any loss of life or damage to property however, it has created a lot of fear, rumours and panic in the population.

With back-to-back tremors, some experts have warned of a bigger earthquake in the region and asked to take precautions.

GM Bhat, a geologist at the University of Jammu told Hindustan Times that his region has been tectonically active for a long time and in the recent past.“There is a likelihood of more such jolts in the region and a bigger one is likely to happen anytime in near future,” Bhat said.

Locals in Jammu and Kashmir need to take precautions and authorities should start awareness programmes through volunteers, and NGO’s so that people can take some immediate steps in case of an emergency.

An earthquake Kit is a must for every family, school, hospital, offices etc. Here are few must haves:

- Two/three days of drinking water for each member of your family (at least 1 gallon per person, per day)
- Three days’ supply of non-perishable food
- First aid kits for your home and autos
- Extra Flashlights with extra batteries
- Power packs for mobile phones
- Prescription medications
- Whistle
- Small tools like hammer, screwdriver, spade, scissors
- Copies of your important documents
- Extra pair of glasses
- Cash, small bills are best

Also, some drills for residents, school children, staff of the hospitals, stadiums etc are a must that should be organised by the State Disaster Management Authority, Fire Brigade and local police department.

A small people-friendly training capsule is required that prepares locals to face the challenge in case of emergency. Several trainers like Asha workers, religious leaders, volunteers, home guards and NGOs should be activated along with Mohalla Committees who can further impart the training to residents.

In 2005, a magnitude 7.3 earthquake left over 73,000 dead and millions homeless on either side of the Line of Control, which divides Jammu & Kashmir and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.