Bhaderwah (JK), May 13: Fresh tremors of moderate intensity today shook Bhaderwah valley and adjoining areas, prompting authorities to close down schools again.
Tremors measuring 4.1, 3 and 3.7 on the Richter scale shook Baderwah valley and adjoining areas at 12:01 PM, 9:41 AM and 8:42 AM respectively, Met officials said. There was no immediate report of any casualty or injury, but the tremors triggered fresh panic among people, who rushed out of their houses.
Met officials said the epicentre is Bhaderwah. Schools, which had reopened after 12 days of closure due to quake, were again closed today and students were sent back home, officials said.
Authorities had closed all educational institutions after an earthquake shook Bhaderwah and adjoining areas of Doda district on May 1.
24 tremors have rocked Bhaderwah-Doda-Kishtwar belt during past 13 days with maximum 11 on May 1.
One tremor had struck Bhadwerwah on April 31, three occurred on May 2, one on May 3, one on May 5, two on May 6, two on May 8 and three today.
Two persons were killed and 69 others, including 26 students and three teachers, were injured when scores of buildings were damaged due to repeated tremors in the area.
A tremor measuring 5.8 on the Richter scale was recorded at 12:27 PM and subsequent 10 after shocks continued till 3:02 PM on May 1 in Kishtwar and Doda.
Police have put on alert its 100 field-units for acting as rescue teams in case of any unforeseen situation in Doda district.
Jammu and Kashmir government has announced Rs 25 crore relief package for quake victims in Doda and Kishtwar.
A police spokesman said, “All the police stations, police posts, operation groups, minority pickets and VDCs which comes to about 100 field-units are on alert and directed to act as rescue teams in case of any unforeseen situation and exigency in wake of quake in Doda district.”
Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, who belongs to Bhaderwah belt of Doda district, had reviewed the relief and rehabilitation arrangements in the quake-hit areas.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had also reviewed measures taken by the government during his visit to the twin districts last week.
