Earthquake claims four lives in J&K

Srinagar: Four persons, including three women died while 20 others were injured in Jammu and Kashmir, following the 7.5 magnitude earthquake that jolted northern India.

"As per the latest reports presented by DGP K Rajindra Kumar and Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Asgar Samoon, four people - two each in Kashmir and Jammu divisions - have died, while 20 persons were injured in yesterday's earthquake," an official spokesman said.

A total of 53 houses were damaged in the quake, he said.

The officers were briefing a meeting chaired by Minister for Relief and Rehabilitation Syed Basharat Bukhari here. This was the second meeting in 24 hours to review the impact of the earthquake in the state.

The spokesman said while two women died in Kashmir division, a woman and a boy were reported dead in Jammu division.

With regard to loss of property, the spokesman said around 40 residential houses in Kashmir Division and 13 in Jammu Division have been damaged besides some non-residential structures have also been damaged.

Expressing solidarity with the bereaved families, the Minister gave directions to the Divisional Commissioner to ensure immediate assessment of the damage to property by the concerned Deputy Commissioners so that relief is paid to the affected as per norms.

Bukhari also addressed a meeting of Relief and Rehabilitation Department and reviewed the status with regard to establishment of Emergency Operation Centers (EOCs) at the divisional and district levels in the state for quick and immediate response in case of any eventuality.

A massive earthquake measuring 7.5 on Richter scale and lasting for about a minute jolted north India yesterday, with panic-stricken people rushing out of houses.

The earthquake epicentred in the Hindukush mountain range in Afghanistan.