Kashmir can’t afford to ignore earthquake risk

The latest scientific warnings on Kashmir’s earthquake vulnerability deserve far greater attention than they are receiving. Two peer-reviewed studies published in 2026 have once again highlighted the Valley’s exposure to active faults, accumulated tectonic strain, liquefaction-prone soils and a built environment that may not withstand severe ground shaking. Kashmir’s earthquake history provides a sobering reminder of what is at stake. The devastating 2005 earthquake demonstrated how quickly lives, homes and essential infrastructure can be overwhelmed. Yet the continuing expansion of urban areas, particularly in Srinagar, has added new dimensions to the risk. The danger is not limited to the possibility of a powerful earthquake. Ground conditions could amplify shaking and, in vulnerable areas, trigger liquefaction and foundation failure. Dense construction, narrow roads and limited open spaces could also make evacuation and emergency response extremely difficult. The concern over buildings is particularly serious. If assessments indicating widespread poor seismic resistance in Srinagar’s masonry structures are accurate, strengthening existing buildings must become a priority rather than an issue addressed only after a disaster. Schools, hospitals and other critical facilities should receive particular attention because their failure can multiply the humanitarian consequences of an earthquake. Preparedness must therefore move beyond official meetings and technical reports. Building codes need strict enforcement, construction practices must undergo effective scrutiny and vulnerable structures should be identified and retrofitted systematically. New construction should incorporate seismic safety from the design stage. Equally important is public awareness. As experts have pointed out, earthquakes cannot currently be predicted with sufficient precision to permit conventional evacuation beforehand. Communities must therefore know what to do during and after strong shaking. Regular drills in schools, hospitals, offices and residential areas can save precious seconds and lives. Religious and community institutions can also play a meaningful role in spreading basic disaster-safety knowledge. Friday sermons, public meetings and local awareness campaigns can help make preparedness part of everyday civic culture. The government’s ongoing structural audits and proposed hazard assessment are useful steps, but they must lead to measurable action. Earthquake risk cannot be eliminated but its human cost can be reduced through preparedness, safer construction and sustained public vigilance.