Mild earthquake hits Jammu and Kashmir, tremors send Srinagar in panic

INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
The reported epicentre of the earthquake
(Graphic: National Center for Seismology)Locals poured out on streets in Srinagar after a moderate-intensity earthquake struck the Kashmir
Valley on Tuesday night.The earthquake hit at a shallow depth, resulting in strong tremors that sent a wave of panic in Srinagar
The tremors were not felt in most parts of the Kashmir Valley.The Meteorological Department initially said that the tremors were not a
result of an earthquake.Later, however, the National Centre of Seismology confirmed that a low-intensity earthquake, of magnitude 3.6, hit
the Srinagar region at 9.40 pm at a depth of 5 kms
The epicentre of the earthquake was 11 kilometres northwest of Srinagar city.The seismic activity sparked mass speculation on social media
with private seismograph service EMSC reporting that it was a shallow earthquake.The EMSC also speculated that the tremors could be a result
of a sonic boom.Some netizens from Kashmir said they heard loud bang along with the earthquake followed by rushing winds but no official
confirmation has been received.However, Srinagar Deputy Commissioner Shahid Choudhary dispelled the speculation and confirmed that it was in
fact an earthquake.So far, no casualties or damage to property has been reported after the Srinagar earthquake.