Entire IIOJK placed in highest seismic risk zone
Srinagar: Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir has been placed in the highest seismic risk category in the region, with the entire territory now classified under Seismic Zone VI, indicating the highest level of earthquake risk.
According to Kashmrir Media Service, the revised standard, issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards, has triggered a mandatory process of structural audits and evaluations for existing and upcoming infrastructure, including critical assets like schools, hospitals, bridges, and tunnels.
The authorities have begun audits, with over 11,600 school buildings already assessed, and vulnerable structures identified for retrofitting. However, earthquake preparedness remains a work in progress, with no fully developed early warning system in place.
The National Centre for Seismology monitors seismic activity, but research on an early warning system for the Himalayan region is still in its infancy.
A committee of experts has been formed to undertake a Hazard, Vulnerability and Risk Assessment for the territory, but a comprehensive seismic risk mitigation plan is yet to be finalized.
