Srinagar – Experts have raised serious concerns about a major earthquake threat in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), warning that poor construction standards and weak preparedness could lead to large-scale destruction.
According to Beyond Time News, renowned earth scientist and Vice Chancellor of the Islamic University of Science and Technology, Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, said the region sits in a highly active seismic zone and remains extremely vulnerable. He noted that rapid urban expansion has taken place without proper safety planning.
Romshoo said nearly 99% of residential buildings in Srinagar are not earthquake-resistant. He added that the city has around 250,000 houses, and most of them cannot withstand strong tremors.
He stressed that the risk is not theoretical. The Himalayan region has a long history of powerful earthquakes. He referred to the 1550 Kashmir earthquake and the 2005 Muzaffarabad earthquake, which killed nearly 82,000 people.
He also warned that the region could face earthquakes of magnitude 8 or higher. Even a magnitude 7 quake could cause widespread destruction in densely populated areas, he added.
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Romshoo pointed out that safer construction would raise costs by only about 10%. However, he said builders and authorities often ignore basic safety standards.
He expressed concern over the lack of preparedness across the valley. He called for stronger public awareness, better evacuation planning, and improved protection for vulnerable communities.
He said the biggest danger lies not only in natural risk but also in human negligence. He urged authorities to act before a major disaster strikes.
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