Earthquake hits Delhi, tremors felt across NCR

A 4.0 magnitude earthquake jolted parts of Delhi-NCR early Monday, as reported by the National Center for Seismology.

There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage.

According to the seismology center, the earthquake’s epicenter was in New Delhi at a depth of five kilometers, occurring at 5:36 am. An official said that the epicenter was close to Durgabai Deshmukh College of Special Education in Dhaula Kuan.

The area, which has a nearby lake, has witnessed minor tremors every two to three years. It previously recorded a 3.3-magnitude earthquake in 2015, the official noted. A loud noise was also heard when the tremors struck, he added.

Following the shallow quake, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged residents of Delhi and nearby areas to remain calm, take safety precautions, and stay vigilant against potential aftershocks.

The National Center for Seismology confirmed the earthquake’s impact on Delhi-NCR, with no immediate reports of harm or destruction.

In a post on X, Modi said, “Tremors were felt in Delhi and surrounding areas. Urging everyone to stay calm, follow safety measures, and remain alert for aftershocks. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation.”

The Delhi Police also reassured citizens through X, stating, “We hope you all are safe, Delhi!” They advised residents to contact the emergency helpline 112 if needed.

Strong tremors prompted residents of high-rise buildings in Delhi, Noida, Greater Noida, and Ghaziabad to rush outside in fear.

A woman in her 50s from Noida’s Sector 20, who was on a morning walk in E Block, shared, “We were walking in the park, so we didn’t feel it much. But it was quite strong. People rushed outside.”

Videos from the affected areas showed people waiting outside their homes, apprehensive of further tremors.

Naresh Kumar, a resident of West Delhi, said this was the most intense tremor he had ever experienced.

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At New Delhi railway station, Ratanlal Sharma, who was waiting for a train to Prayagraj, recalled feeling a sudden jolt. “It felt as if a train came to a screeching halt,” he said.

A resident of a Ghaziabad high-rise described the tremors as powerful enough to cause widespread panic, with people running downstairs in alarm.

AAP leader Atishi posted on X, “A strong earthquake just hit Delhi. I pray for everyone’s safety.”

AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal reshared Atishi’s post, expressing his prayers for the safety of all.

AICC national spokesperson Ragini Nayak also took to X, saying, “Massive tremors were felt in Delhi just 10 minutes ago, waking us up. I hope and pray that everyone is safe.”

Delhi, located about 250 kilometres from the active Himalayan collision zone, frequently experiences tremors from both distant and local seismic activity.

The capital has witnessed multiple earthquakes in recent years. On April 12, 2020, a 3.5-magnitude quake struck northeast Delhi, followed by a 3.4-magnitude tremor on May 10, 2020. On May 29, 2020, a 4.4-magnitude quake near Rohtak, about 50 kilometres west of Delhi, led to panic, followed by over a dozen aftershocks.

According to India’s seismic zoning map, Delhi falls under Seismic Zone IV, making it vulnerable to moderate to high earthquake risks due to its proximity to the Himalayas.

(With inputs from PTI)