A moderate earthquake struck parts of Jammu and Kashmir in the early hours of Monday, 2 February 2026, briefly jolting residents awake and triggering panic across several districts of the Kashmir Valley.
The tremor, which occurred at around 5:35 am IST, measured between 4.6 and 4.8 on the Richter scale, according to preliminary estimates by seismic monitoring agencies.
The National Centre for Seismology (NCS) confirmed the earthquake, placing its epicentre near Pattan in Baramulla district, at a shallow depth of approximately 10 kilometres.
Due to its relatively shallow depth, the quake was felt across a wide area, including Srinagar, Baramulla, Sopore, Ganderbal, Pulwama, Budgam, and surrounding regions. Despite the widespread perception of shaking, no immediate casualties, serious injuries, or major damage to infrastructure have been reported so far.
What Happened and Where It Struck
Seismic instruments detected the earthquake in the seismically sensitive Himalayan belt, a region known for frequent tectonic activity due to the ongoing collision between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates.
According to NCS data, the quake registered a magnitude of around 4.7, with minor variations reported by independent geoscience platforms – a common occurrence during early seismic analysis before final data reconciliation.
The tremors were strong enough to wake residents from sleep, with many reporting shaking beds, rattling doors, and swaying household items. In several neighbourhoods, people rushed out of their homes as a precaution, gathering in open spaces until the shaking subsided. The tremor reportedly lasted a few seconds, but its early-morning timing amplified public anxiety.
Local news outlets and eyewitnesses from Srinagar and north Kashmir districts said the quake was “brief but sharp,” while some residents described it as one of the more noticeable tremors in recent months. However, there were no confirmed reports of structural collapse or large-scale damage to residential or public buildings.
Government Response and Initial Assessments
Following the tremor, district administrations and disaster management authorities moved swiftly to assess the situation. Officials from the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) and local disaster response units said ground-level surveys were initiated soon after the quake to check for damage to buildings, roads, power lines, and public infrastructure.
Authorities in Baramulla, Budgam, and Srinagar confirmed that essential services — including electricity, water supply, mobile networks, and emergency services – remained fully operational. A senior district official stated that control rooms were activated and local teams were instructed to verify any distress calls or reports from residents.
“So far, there are no reports of loss of life or major damage,” an official said, adding that the administration remained on alert for possible aftershocks, which can sometimes follow moderate earthquakes. Residents were advised to remain calm and report any structural cracks or unusual damage to local authorities.
Public Reaction and Eyewitness Accounts
The early-morning quake sparked a wave of reactions on social media platforms, with users from across the valley posting about their experiences. Many described being “shaken awake,” while others shared videos of ceiling fans swaying and windows rattling. Some residents chose to remain outdoors for several minutes, fearing aftershocks.
“It felt sudden and strong for a few seconds,” said a resident from Baramulla. “The whole room shook, and we immediately stepped outside with our family.” Similar accounts emerged from Srinagar and Sopore, where residents said the tremor was strong enough to cause momentary panic but not prolonged disruption.
Despite the alarm, there were no reports of panic-related injuries, such as stampedes or falls, which sometimes accompany early-morning earthquakes.
Kashmir’s Seismic Vulnerability
Jammu and Kashmir lies in Seismic Zone IV and V, among the most earthquake-prone zones in India. The region has a long history of seismic events, ranging from mild tremors to devastating earthquakes. Experts note that moderate earthquakes like this one are relatively common in the region and often serve as reminders of the underlying tectonic stress.
Geologists have repeatedly warned that while smaller earthquakes may release some accumulated energy, they do not eliminate the risk of larger events. The shallow depth of Monday’s quake explains why it was felt widely, even though its magnitude remained below levels typically associated with severe damage.
Preparedness and Safety Advisory
Disaster management experts advise residents in earthquake-prone areas to review basic safety protocols, including identifying safe spots inside homes, securing heavy furniture, and keeping emergency kits ready. During tremors, people are advised to “Drop, Cover, and Hold On”, avoiding windows, balconies, and heavy objects.
Authorities have reiterated that there is no need for panic, but vigilance remains essential. Structural engineers also stress the importance of earthquake-resistant construction, especially in older buildings that may not conform to modern safety standards.
The Logical Indian Perspective
As of now, the situation across Jammu and Kashmir remains stable, with officials continuing to monitor developments. No aftershocks of significance have been reported, and daily life has resumed normally in most areas.
The event once again highlights the region’s seismic sensitivity and the need for continued preparedness in one of India’s most geologically active zones
