Last Updated on February 17, 2025 by IPO Manthan Team
A magnitude 4.0 earthquake in Delhi now today caused panic among residents in the early hours of Monday. The tremors were felt across Delhi, Noida, Greater Noida, and Ghaziabad, prompting many people to rush out of their homes. The epicenter was near Dhaula Kuan, close to Durgabai Deshmukh College of Special Education, at a depth of 5 km.
Panic and Reactions
People in high-rise buildings felt strong tremors, with many evacuating as a precaution. Social media was flooded with posts about the earthquake in Delhi now today, with some users expressing fear and others using humor to lighten the situation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged calm, advising residents to follow safety protocols. Delhi Police also reassured the public through social media, advising them to call emergency helpline 112 if needed.
Loud Sound During the Earthquake
Some residents reported hearing a loud sound along with the tremors. Experts say shallow earthquakes, like this one, can create booming sounds due to high-frequency vibrations traveling through the ground.
Delhi’s Earthquake History
Delhi lies in Seismic Zone IV, meaning it is at moderate to high risk of earthquakes. The region has a history of tremors, with smaller quakes recorded every few years.
In 1720, a magnitude 6.5 earthquake caused significant damage in the region. In 1960, a 5.3 to 6.0 magnitude earthquake was recorded in Delhi. More recently, over 400 minor quakes have been detected in Delhi-NCR since 2016, raising concerns about increasing seismic activity.
The Risk of Bigger Earthquakes
Scientists have observed a pattern of frequent small earthquakes in the region. Delhi is about 250 km from the Himalayan seismic zone, which is prone to strong earthquakes. Experts warn that these small tremors could be precursors to a larger earthquake in the future.
Geologists point to the Delhi-Hardwar Ridge, an underground extension of the Aravalli Mountain Range, as a key factor in the city’s seismic activity. The earthquake in Delhi now today is another reminder of the region’s vulnerability.
Social Media Reactions
People across Delhi-NCR shared their experiences on social media. Some posted prayers for safety, while others joked about waking up faster from the earthquake than from their morning alarms.
Filmmaker Ashok Pandit tweeted his prayers, while BJP leader Tajinder Bagga simply asked if others had felt the tremors, prompting many responses. Memes also flooded platforms, with users joking about checking Twitter immediately after feeling the quake.
What’s Next?
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation for aftershocks. While no major damage has been reported, residents are advised to stay alert. Delhi’s history with earthquakes suggests that preparedness is key in such situations.
The earthquake in Delhi now today serves as a reminder of the city’s seismic risks. Experts urge people to follow safety measures and stay informed about earthquake preparedness.