• Source:JND
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A magnitude 4 earthquake shook Delhi early on Monday, with strong tremors felt across the National Capital Region (NCR), including Noida and Ghaziabad. The earthquake, which struck at around 5:36 AM, had a depth of 5 km, according to the National Center for Seismology. The epicenter was located near Dhaula Kuan, near Durgabai Deshmukh College of Special Education.

Although the earthquake’s magnitude wasn’t large, the tremors were strong enough to catch the attention of residents, leading many to take to social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to share their experiences. People described the shaking as "violent" and "intense."

Why Does Delhi Experience Earthquakes?

While earthquakes in Delhi are not unusual, the region’s vulnerability is largely due to its location near several major geological fault lines. Just last month, Delhi felt tremors from a 7.1 magnitude earthquake that struck Nepal. The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) explains that Delhi’s seismic activity is partly linked to the Delhi-Haridwar Ridge, a significant geological structure.

India is divided into four seismic zones based on the frequency of earthquakes. Delhi falls under Zone IV, an area that experiences "fairly high seismicity," meaning it is considered a "high-risk" region for earthquakes. Most earthquakes in Delhi are in the 5-6 magnitude range, but larger tremors of magnitude 7-8 are less frequent but still possible.

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Is Delhi Prepared for Earthquakes?

Delhi has seen several significant earthquakes over the centuries. Since 1720, only five earthquakes with magnitudes between 5.5 and 6.7 have been recorded in the capital and nearby areas. The Delhi-Haridwar Ridge and the Delhi-Moradabad fault pass through Delhi, both of which have the potential to generate strong earthquakes, according to the DDMA. These fault lines can lead to earthquakes reaching a magnitude of up to 7.0 or more.

In addition to these major faults, there are several other weaker seismic zones near Delhi, including the Mahendragarh-Dehradun subsurface fault, the Moradabad fault, and the Sohna fault, among others.

Given the frequent seismic activity in the region, Delhi is at risk for more earthquakes, particularly those of moderate strength. Local authorities and residents must stay prepared for any future tremors, as seismic events can strike unexpectedly.