Powerful earthquake jolts Kashmir

A powerful earthquake, measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale, jolted both sides of Kashmir triggering panic among survivors of October's devastating earthquake who came out from their make-shift shelters in freezing temperature. There were no reports of any damage or casualty.

The quake, epicentred in the Hindukush mountain range of Afghanistan, was felt at 0317 IST today morning in Uri, Srinagar and New Delhi. The tremor was epicentred at 36.8 degree North latitude and 70.7 degree East longitude, the met department said in Delhi.

With the memory of the devastating October 8 earthquake still fresh in their minds, people came out of their tents and sheds in several parts of the Kashmir Valley screaming, shouting and reciting verses from the Koran. However, because of the freezing temperature outside, they went back to their dwellings but kept awake fearing more aftershocks.