5.3 magnitude earthquake jolts southwestern Kashmir

LEEPA VALLEY: An earthquake of 5.3 magnitude on Richter scale jolted southwestern Kashmir, including Leepa Valley, in early hours of Tuesday.

Residents in the affected region are advised to exercise caution and prepare for possible aftershocks.

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According to the National Seismic Monitoring Centre, Islamabad, a 5.1 magnitude earthquake struck southwestern Kashmir in early hours of Tuesday. The earthquake had a dept of 20 kilometers.

The second quake struct minutes later at 5.3 magnitude on Richter scale with a depth of 20 km as well.

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According to official sources, the first earthquake occurred around 6:16 am followed by a second tremor at 6:23 am in Leepa Valley, situated in Jhelum Valley, Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Earthquake temors were also felt in Neelam Valley and surrounding areas.

Residents across the wider Jhelum Valley, Chanari, Hattian Bala, Athmuqam, Kundal Shahi, Keran, Sharda, Kel and Grace Valley felt the ground shake.

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Leepa Valley lies over 110 kilometres (km) from Muzaffarabad, capital of Azad Kashmir.

The entire valley is divided into five districts: Nowkot, Kasirkot, Dao Khan, Leepa and Chananian.