Early on Monday, strong tremors from a 4.0 magnitude earthquake struck the national capital and adjoining regions. The earthquake’s epicenter was located in the Jheel Park area of Dhaula Kuan. The tremors were felt widely, causing people in high-rise buildings across Delhi, Noida, Greater Noida, and Ghaziabad to rush out of their homes in panic. However, there have been no immediate reports of damage or injuries.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media to reassure residents. In a post on X, he urged everyone to stay calm and follow safety precautions, while remaining alert for possible aftershocks. “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,” Modi wrote.
According to the National Center for Seismology, the earthquake struck at a focal depth of 5 kilometers at 5:36 am. Shallow earthquakes, originating from depths of 5 to 10 kilometers, are typically more intense and can cause more damage than deeper quakes.
The Jheel Park region has experienced several smaller earthquakes over the years, including a 3.3 magnitude tremor in 2015. There were also reports of a loud sound being heard as the ground shook, adding to the anxiety of the residents.
The Delhi Police reassured citizens, tweeting, “We hope you all are safe, Delhi!” and urged residents to use the emergency 112 helpline for any assistance. Several locals took to social media to share their experiences. A woman on a morning walk in Noida Sector 20 mentioned, “We were walking in the park, so we didn’t feel it strongly. But it was quite strong. People came rushing out.”
Naresh Kumar, a resident of West Delhi, said it was the first time he had experienced such a strong tremor. Meanwhile, Ratanlal Sharma, who was waiting at New Delhi railway station, described the sudden jolt as “like a train suddenly coming to a screeching halt.”
The earthquake prompted widespread fear, with residents from across Delhi-NCR rushing out of their homes, some fearing possible aftershocks. A resident in Ghaziabad described how everyone in their high-rise building rushed downstairs in panic due to the intensity of the tremors.
AAP leaders also expressed concern. “A strong earthquake just hit Delhi. I pray to God that everyone is safe,” said AAP leader Atishi in a post on X, which was later shared by AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal, who also prayed for everyone’s safety.
The National Capital Region (NCR) is situated around 250 kilometers from the seismically active Himalayan collision zone, which is prone to frequent tremors from both far- and near-field earthquakes. Delhi falls under Seismic Zone IV in India’s seismic zoning map, making it one of the more seismically vulnerable regions in the country.
The earthquake has left many in Delhi and surrounding areas on edge, as residents remain vigilant for any potential aftershocks. Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation closely.
