5.3-magnitude earthquake jolts Pakistan, tremors felt in Srinagar, Jammu and across Kashmir

An earthquake measuring 5.3 on the Richter scale hit parts of Pakistan around 1 PM on Saturday, sending tremors across the Kashmir Valley and parts of Jammu division. The tremors were felt in Srinagar, Jammu, Shopian and other regions in Jammu & Kashmir, sparking fear and prompting people to rush out of their homes and offices.

According to the National Center for Seismology (NCS), the epicenter of the quake was located at latitude 33.70°N and longitude 72.43°E, with a depth of 10 kilometers. Although the quake originated in Pakistan, its tremors had a noticeable impact across the Line of Control in India’s northern region.

Eyewitnesses in Srinagar reported sudden shaking that lasted for several seconds. “I was at home when everything began to sway. We ran outside immediately,” said a local resident from Rajbagh. In Jammu, similar reports came from residential areas where people were seen standing outside their homes in panic.

Fortunately, there have been no reports of casualties or property damage so far, according to officials cited by PTI. Authorities continue to monitor the situation, and no aftershocks have been reported as of now. However, people have been advised to remain cautious and stay away from weak structures.

Videos from across the border in Pakistan, shared on social media, captured the real-time fear among citizens. One such clip shows a man inside a grocery store with a child, running out as the camera violently shakes. Another viral video shows CCTV footage from Islamabad where people rushed out of buildings amid the tremors.

Experts suggest that shallow earthquakes like this one — occurring at a depth of 10 km — tend to have a stronger surface impact, even when the magnitude isn’t very high. Today’s quake was a reminder of the seismic vulnerability of the region and the need for better disaster preparedness.