Residents of the Chenab Valley in Jammu and Kashmir took to social media to share their experiences and express relief after a moderate earthquake struck the Doda region early on Sunday morning.
The tremors, which occurred around 4:22 am IST, prompted immediate posts from locals reporting the shaking and checking on the safety of family and friends. Many described stepping out of their homes in panic as the ground shook.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the National Centre for Seismology recorded the earthquake at a magnitude of 4.6 with its epicentre in the Doda region. Google initially reported a 4.5-magnitude event with the epicentre near Bhalessa. An aftershock was also felt at 4:37 am IST, as reported by The Chenab Times earlier
Social media platforms, particularly Facebook, saw a surge in comments and posts from people across Doda, Bhalessa, and surrounding areas. Several users simply posted the word “Safe” to reassure relatives and friends that they were unharmed. Others offered prayers, with messages such as “Allah sub pa reham karey” and “Alhamdulillah” appearing frequently.
One user from the area wrote, “A massive earthquake shook the Chenab Valley,” while another asked about the “intensity” of the quake. Posts also included invocations for protection, with references to local deities and religious prayers. Residents from nearby regions, including Chamba, also reported feeling the tremors and confirmed their safety.
Many comments reflected the close-knit nature of Chenabi communities, with people inquiring about villages and relatives in Bhalessa and other parts of Doda district. Some highlighted the region’s location in a high seismic zone, noting the frequent occurrence of such events.
No reports of casualties or significant damage emerged from the initial reactions on social media. Users expressed gratitude that the quake, though strong enough to wake people, did not cause major harm. Several posts carried timestamps showing reactions within minutes of the event, including one at 4:23 am and another at 4:24 am.
The earthquake once again brought attention to the vulnerability of the Chenab Valley, which falls in a seismically active Himalayan belt. Local residents are accustomed to such events but remain cautious, especially after aftershocks.
Authorities have not yet issued a detailed damage assessment, but the quick sharing of safety confirmations on social media helped calm anxiety in the immediate aftermath.
The Chenab Times News Desk