ISLAMABAD, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 3rd May, 2026) In Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, despite the appearance of stability, experts have raised alarms about an ignored yet significant seismic risk, endangering the lives of millions in the region.
According to Kashmir Media Service, renowned earth scientist and Vice Chancellor of the Islamic University of Science and Technology, Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, said nearly 99 percent of residential structures in Srinagar are not built to withstand earthquakes, making the city extremely vulnerable to a major disaster.
He noted that Srinagar alone has approximately 250,000 houses, the overwhelming majority of which lack structural resilience.
Romshoo highlighted that the Himalayan region, including Kashmir, has a well-documented history of devastating earthquakes due to its fragile geological setting. He expressed concern that rapid urban expansion in recent years has largely ignored essential safety standards, further compounding the risk.
He emphasized that the threat is largely preventable, stating that incorporating earthquake-resistant features would increase construction costs by only around 10 percent.
However, he regretted that such safety measures are routinely overlooked in building practices across the territory.
Referring to historical precedents, Romshoo cited the devastating 1550 Kashmir earthquake and the 2005 Muzaffarabad earthquake, which claimed approximately 82,000 lives, warning that the region remains capable of experiencing earthquakes of magnitude 8 or higher.
Despite the looming danger, preparedness levels remain alarmingly low. He called for increased public awareness regarding safety protocols, evacuation planning, and the protection of vulnerable populations.
Highlighting the unpredictable nature of seismic activity, Romshoo warned that even a magnitude 7 earthquake could result in widespread devastation in the densely populated valley.
Terming the situation as urgent, he stressed that the real question is not whether a powerful earthquake will strike Kashmir, but whether adequate measures will be in place to safeguard lives when it does.
