Kashmir Valley Shaken by 5.3 Magnitude Earthquake from Afghanistan

On April 18, the Kashmir Valley was shaken by a 5.3 magnitude earthquake that originated in Afghanistan's Badakhshan province. The quake, which struck at 8:24 A.M., was felt across the region, highlighting Kashmir's vulnerability to seismic events. Historical records show that the area has experienced devastating earthquakes in the past, including the catastrophic 2005 quake that resulted in significant loss of life. Experts are advocating for earthquake-resistant construction to mitigate future risks. This article delves into the recent earthquake and the ongoing concerns regarding building safety in this high-seismic zone.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 18, 2026, 11:36 IST

Earthquake Tremors Felt in Kashmir

Photo: @TheBigOne711/X

Srinagar, April 18: On Saturday, residents of the Kashmir Valley experienced tremors from an earthquake that registered 5.3 on the Richter scale, originating from Badakhshan province in Afghanistan.

According to disaster management officials, the quake struck at 8:24 A.M. and was located 190 kilometers beneath the Earth's surface. The coordinates of the epicenter were reported as Latitude 36.55 degrees North and Longitude 70.92 degrees East.

Kashmir Valley is known for its susceptibility to seismic activity, having faced devastating earthquakes in the past. Notably, a catastrophic quake measuring 7.6 struck Jammu and Kashmir on October 8, 2005, resulting in over 80,000 fatalities.

The 2005 earthquake's epicenter was in Muzaffarabad, a town in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, which was completely destroyed. The border town of Uri in Baramulla district also suffered extensive damage during that disaster.

Historically, Kashmir has endured numerous destructive earthquakes due to its position in a high-seismic zone. Significant past events include the 1555 and 1885 earthquakes, both of which caused widespread devastation and loss of life.

The 1555 earthquake is estimated to have been around 7.6 in magnitude, leading to the destruction of towns and altering the course of the River Vesha. Similarly, the 1885 Baramulla earthquake, which occurred on May 30, had a magnitude of 6.8 and resulted in over 3,000 deaths along with severe damage in the Srinagar and Baramulla areas.

Another notable event was the 1828 earthquake, which is believed to have caused significant destruction, as inferred from the condition of the Pandrethan Temple.

In light of these recurring seismic threats, structural engineers and earthquake specialists have emphasized the need for constructing earthquake-resistant buildings in Kashmir. They have raised concerns about the use of cement concrete for homes, as such structures are particularly vulnerable to seismic shocks and tend to collapse easily.