India woke up to strong tremors early morning with 4.0 magnitude. It first hit Delhi-NCR at around 5.30 am and then in Bihar at 8 am. The strong tremors caused residents of high-rise buildings in Delhi, Noida, Greater Noida, and Ghaziabad to rush out of their homes. The tremor in Delhi occurred at 5.36 am, with its epicenter located near Durgabai Deshmukh College of Special Education in Dhaula Kuan at a depth of five kilometers. There were no immediate reports of any damage or injuries.
The area experienced minor seismic activity every two to three years, with a previous 3.3 magnitude earthquake recorded in 2015. Officials noted that a loud sound accompanied the tremor. Meanwhile, a 4.0 magnitude earthquake also hit Bihar’s Siwan district at 8.02 am. It was informed by the National Center for Seismology. Reacting to the strong tremors that hit New Delhi and neighboring areas, PM Modi urged citizens to “stay calm and follow safety precautions.”
“Tremors were felt in Delhi and nearby areas. Urging everyone to stay calm and follow safety precautions, staying alert for possible aftershocks. Authorities are keeping a close watch on the situation,” PM Modi wrote in an X post. The earthquake was felt across the capital region and neighbouring states. The Delhi Police posted on X, “We hope you all are safe, Delhi!” and advised citizens to use the emergency 112 helpline if needed.
Is Dhaula Kuan earthquake-prone?
In fact, Delhi-NCR falls in Seismic Zone IV, meaning that the national capital and its adjoining areas are prone to moderate to strong earthquakes. The Dhaula Kuan area, which has a lake nearby, has been experiencing low-magnitude quakes once every two to three years. It recorded an earthquake of magnitude 3.3 in 2015, an official informs.
Otherwise, Dhaula Kuan area is safe and secure due to the presence of the army cantonment around and nearby Dhaula Kuan. There is very little pollution because of the presence of a large number of trees and guests, mainly in the ridge forest. The area is relatively cooler in summer than other places.
Epicentre of this earthquake was in Delhi’s Dhaula Kuan, at depth of 5 kilometers. There was a great panic among residents after huge tremors, however, no damage is reported. PM Modi urged residents to remain calm, stay alert for possible aftershocks.
The earthquake struck at a depth of five kilometers at 5.36 am, the National Centre for Seismology tweeted. The official said a loud sound was heard when the earthquake hit Delhi-NCR and the tremors lasted for 35 seconds. The rumbling sound heard during the earthquake could have been the result of the earthquake’s shallow depth. It could have been due to movement in tectonic plates and several bursts of energy.
Many people rushed out of their houses in panic after experiencing the strong tremors. Videos of people standing outside their houses and fans shaking during the earthquake went viral on social media. There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties.
“Delhi has been experiencing minor earthquakes. This earthquake occurred in Dhaula Kuan. In 2006, an earthquake of 4.6 magnitude had occurred there. There is nothing to worry about. It is a seismic zone there. After the 4.0 magnitude quake, the aftershock will be less by 1.2 magnitude. It is natural as it will heal it,” as per the versions of Dr OP Mishra, Director, National Centre for Seismology (NCS).
He added that the Dhaula Kuan region has witnessed 420 shallow earthquakes, and the national capital has remained safe from such incidents for the past several years. The Delhi Police and the Delhi Fire Service did not receive any calls about untoward incidents during the earthquake.
Several political leaders mentioned experiencing the earthquake tremors and prayed for everyone’s safety. BJP leader Tajinder Singh Bagga posted, “Earthquake?”, while Congress leader Alka Lamba shared a similar message. Presently, Caretaker Delhi Chief Minister Atishi said she prayed for everyone’s safety after the earthquake. “A strong earthquake just hit Delhi. I pray to God that everyone is safe,” she said. Resharing Atishi’s post, AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal said, “I pray for the safety of everyone.”
Several users expressed shock on social media about the earthquake, saying the tremors were quite strong despite the magnitude being 4.0. An earthquake is the sudden release of strain energy in the Earth’s crust, resulting in waves of shaking that radiate outwards from the earthquake source. When stresses in the crust exceed the strength of the rock, it breaks along lines of weakness, either a pre-existing or new fault plane.
The tectonic plates are always moving slowly, but they get stuck at their edges due to friction. When the stress on the edge overcomes the friction, there is an earthquake that releases energy in waves that travel through the earth’s crust and cause the shaking that is felt.
Thus, an earthquake is a sudden movement of the Earth’s surface. Earthquakes can cause disasters. The study of earthquakes is called seismology. The World Seismological Council was formed in 1903. This council oversees the authoritative study of earthquakes. From the devastating 1920 Haiyuan earthquake in China to the catastrophic 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, these disasters serve as stark reminders of the Earth’s raw power.
Earthquakes in India
In India, the devastating Bhuj earthquake happened on 26 January 2001 near the Pakistani border in Gujarat India. The largest earthquake in India with a magnitude of 8.6, occurred in the India-China region on 15 August 1950. It caused the death of 1530 people due to tectonic plates shifting 30 km deep.
The 2001 Gujarat earthquake occurred on 26 January at 08:46 am IST. The epicenter was about 9 km south-southwest of the village of Chobari in Bhachau Taluka of Kutch district in Gujarat, India. The earthquake had a maximum Mercalli intensity of XII (an Extreme).
This unprecedented earthquake of 2001 left Bhuj absolutely shattered, the worst ever disaster, in last 50 years. Almost the entire state reeled under its catastrophic impact. About 13,800 people died and 1,67,000 suffered injuries. Nearly 1.2 million houses were damaged.
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