4.3 magnitude earthquake hits J&K's Bhaderwah

Tremors triggered panic among people who rushed out of their homes

An earthquake shook the mountainous Bhaderwah tehsil of Doda district today, triggering panic among people who rushed out of their homes.

The quake, measuring 4.3 on the Richter Scale, struck the Bhaderwah belt at 7:16 a.m., Met officials said.

"As of now, there is no immediate report of any casualty or damage to property," Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Bhaderwah, Mohd Anwar Banday said.

Panic-stricken people rushed out of their homes when the quake, whose epicentre was 9 km south-east of Bhaderwah, rattled the picturesque Valley.

"Although Jammu and Kashmir falls under danger zone and there is possibility of tremors,nobody can predict exact location or timing of the earthquake," said seismic expert Prof G M Bhat.