The region of Kashmir and its surroundings were struck by two earthquakes within a span of seven minutes, causing widespread panic as residents rushed out of their homes reciting the Kalima Tayyiba.
The tremors were felt strongly in Hattian Bala, Azad Kashmir, including the areas of Chinari, Chakothi, and throughout the Jhelum Valley. The first quake was recorded at 6:16 PM, followed by a second at 6:23 PM. Both earthquakes had a magnitude of 5.1, with their epicenter located in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), according to data from the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
In Hattian Bala, the sudden shaking woke up sleeping residents, who fled their homes in fear, reciting religious verses for protection. The earthquakes also led to a temporary disruption of internet services in Muzaffarabad, adding to the alarm.
Tremors were also reported in the districts of Leepa Valley, Bagh, Poonch, and Haveli, where residents similarly evacuated buildings as a precautionary measure. So far, no significant damage or casualties have been reported, but the events have left the local communities in a state of heightened anxiety.
