Kashmir, February 2, 2026 – Early this morning, residents of the Kashmir Valley were startled by a moderate earthquake that shook the region. The tremors were felt around 5:35 AM local time, prompting people to rush outdoors in fear.
According to preliminary reports from seismic monitoring sources and local news outlets, the epicenter of the earthquake was in Budgam district, near Soyibug and Baramulla, at a shallow depth of approximately 10 kilometers. Early estimates put the magnitude at around 4.6–4.8 on the Richter scale.
Nearby areas including Srinagar, Pulwama, Shopian, and Baramulla reported noticeable shaking, although no major structural damage or casualties have been reported so far. Authorities have advised residents to remain calm and stay alert for any aftershocks.
Kashmir lies in a seismically active zone along the Himalayan collision region, where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. While moderate earthquakes are relatively common here, experts note that even small tremors can feel intense in densely populated areas.
Local officials and emergency services are monitoring the situation, and residents are urged to follow safety precautions in the event of further tremors.
Summary:
Date & Time: February 2, 2026, ~5:35 AM IST
Epicenter: Budgam district, near Soyibug / Baramulla, Kashmir Valley, India (approx. latitude 33.9–34.2° N, longitude 74.1–74.7° E)
Magnitude: ~4.6–4.8
Depth: ~10 km
Impact: No reported casualties or major damage; tremors felt across the valley
Authorities continue to track seismic activity in the region, assuring the public that early warning and monitoring systems are active.
