BHADARWAH : An earthquake of 3.9 magnitude hit the snow-bound valley in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district on Sunday, triggering panic among the local residents. However, there was no report of loss of lives or damage to property from anywhere, Sub-Divisional Police Officer Aadil Rishu said. An official at the local Meteorological (MeT) Department said the epicentre of the quake was 4.3 km North-East of Bhadarwah town in the foothills of Ashapati and Kailash glaciers. The tremor was also felt in the adjoining areas of Bhaderwah, including parts of Bhalessa and Marmat, forcing panic-stricken people to rush out of their homes despite sub-zero temperatures, he said. "There is massive loose blanket of snow and it can come down during the earthquake when there is no hindrance or obstruction of trees," he said.

Source: Mint January 26, 2020 12:33 UTC