Delhi Shaken by 4.4 Magnitude Earthquake from Haryana – Longest Tremors in Recent Memory
Delhi-NCR Feels Strong Tremors as 4.4 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Haryana
This morning, residents across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) experienced a strong shake as an earthquake measuring 4.4 on the Richter scale hit Haryana's Jhajjar district. The tremors were widely felt in Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, and even parts of western Uttar Pradesh like Meerut and Shamli—nearly 200 km away from the epicentre.
The earthquake struck at 9:04 AM at a shallow depth of 10 km, according to the National Institute of Seismology. Many people rushed out of their homes and offices as household items, fans, and even computer systems started shaking. On social media, users described it as one of the longest tremors they had ever felt.
People React With Caution and Concern
As the tremors lasted longer than usual, people in high-rise buildings, apartments, and office towers were visibly concerned. Several office workers in Noida and Gurugram evacuated their buildings briefly. In areas like Rohtak, Bahadurgarh, Dadri, and Gurugram in Haryana, people also felt the shake and shared videos and photos online.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) quickly released an advisory asking people not to panic, avoid elevators, and use staircases while exiting buildings. For those driving during the quake, the NDRF advised pulling over in an open area and staying inside the vehicle until the shaking stops.
Why Earthquakes Happen in Delhi
Earthquakes are not new to Delhi due to its geographical location. The city falls under Seismic Zone 4, which is considered a high-risk area. Delhi is surrounded by several fault lines, including:
-
Delhi-Haridwar Ridge
-
Sohna Fault
-
Delhi-Moradabad Fault
-
Mahendragarh-Dehradun Fault
According to the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), the northern region of India lies in an earthquake-prone zone due to the ongoing collision between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. This collision causes the earth’s crust to bend and store energy like a spring. When the stress becomes too much, it gets released in the form of an earthquake.
Historically, Delhi has experienced at least five earthquakes of 5.5 magnitude or more since 1720.
Stay Alert, Stay Prepared
Today’s tremors are a strong reminder that preparedness is key. Earthquakes can strike without warning, and being aware of basic safety steps can save lives.
Here are a few quick tips to follow during an earthquake:
-
Don’t panic and stay calm.
-
Use stairs, not elevators, if you need to evacuate.
-
If indoors, take cover under sturdy furniture or stand in a doorway.
-
If outdoors, move to an open area away from buildings, poles, and trees.
-
If driving, pull over safely and wait until the shaking stops.
Final Thoughts
While today's earthquake did not cause any reported damage or injuries, it served as a timely reminder that Delhi continues to remain vulnerable to seismic activity. Let’s stay informed, alert, and prepared for such natural events in the future.
Reference from:- https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/earthquake-tremors-felt-in-delhi-ncr-region-8852333