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Srinagar, February 2, 2026 : Residents across the Kashmir Valley were woken by a significant seismic event early Monday morning as a moderate earthquake jolted the region. The tremors, which occurred at approximately 5:35 am, were felt widely across various districts, leading to a brief period of anxiety among the local population.
Initial data from the Android Earthquake Alerts System estimated the magnitude of the quake at 4.6. The epicenter was identified near Hanjiwera Bala, situated roughly 5 kilometers from the Pattan area in North Kashmir and about 23 kilometers from the summer capital, Srinagar. The earthquake originated at a shallow depth, a factor that often contributes to more noticeable surface shaking.
The timing of the event meant many people were still asleep or just beginning their day. Reports from across the valley describe a sharp jolt lasting several seconds, prompting many families to rush out of their homes into the early morning cold as a precautionary measure. The vibrations were not limited to the valley alone, as reports indicated the shaking was felt in neighboring regions as well.
Despite the panic caused by the sudden movement, there have been no immediate reports of casualties or significant structural damage to property from any part of the territory. Local administration and disaster management officials are continuing to monitor the situation, though initial assessments suggest that the impact remained within manageable limits.
Seismologists note that the region remains highly sensitive to such activity due to its location within a seismically active zone. While normalcy returned relatively quickly as the morning progressed, officials have advised the public to remain vigilant and rely only on verified information from official sources regarding further updates.
