Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, has directed the state administration to remain in readiness to mount any relief and rescue operation following a massive earthquake that jolted J&K and northern parts of the country this afternoon.
With epicentre located in Afghanistan, the tremor occurred at 2.40 pm this afternoon that sent ripples across the state.
The Chief Minister has directed respective Divisional Commissioners to keep an eye on the emerging situation and maintain close coordination with the Deputy Commissioners to mobilize immediate rescue and relief, wherever necessary.
Mufti Sayeed also directed that all essential services, particularly those related to the health sector, be kept in absolute readiness to cater to any emergency. He also stressed upon ensuring the availability of doctors and paramedical staff at all hospitals and those associated with the two medical colleges of Srinagar and Jammu, as also the tertiary-care hospital, SKIMS Soura.
The Chief Minister also passed instructions for establishing a control room which will collect information from across the state related to loss of life or damage to property, if any.