As per an Oregon State University statement, new geologic mapping in the Himalayan mountains of Kashmi suggests that it is likely to hit with a major earthquake with potential to endanger the lives of as many as a million people.

Oregon State University, study lead author Yann Gavillot said, "What we set out to learn was how much the fault has moved in the last tens of thousands of years, when it moved, and how different segments of the fault move."

"What we found was that the Riasi fault is one of the main active faults in Kashmir, but there is a lack of earthquakes in the more recent geologic record. The fault hasn't slipped for a long time, which means the potential for a large earthquake is strong. It's not a question of if it's going to happen. It's a matter of when," Gavillot added.

The Reasi fault near Jammu that was building up pressure for some time was found by the scientists. It suggests that resulting earthquake may be large if it release. The magnitude may be as large as 8.0 or even more.

"There are also several dams on the Chenab river near the fault, and a major railroad that goes through or over dozens of tunnels, overpasses and bridges," Gavillot said. "The potential for destruction is much greater than the 2005 earthquake."

- Sumana