Strong Earthquake Tremors Jolt Delhi-NCR, Residents Rush Out in Panic

Strong tremors were felt across the national capital and surrounding regions early Monday as a 4.0-magnitude earthquake struck the area, causing panic among residents. The quake, which originated in the Jheel Park area of Dhaula Kuan, was recorded at a shallow depth of five kilometers, according to the National Center for Seismology (NCS).

The tremors, which occurred at 5:36 AM, prompted people living in high-rise buildings across Delhi, Noida, Greater Noida, and Ghaziabad to rush out of their homes. However, there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries.

Authorities Urge Caution
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X (formerly Twitter) to urge citizens to remain 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,” he said.

Delhi Police also reassured citizens through a social media post, stating, “We hope you all are safe, Delhi!” and advised residents to call emergency helpline 112 if needed.

Many residents reported feeling the tremors strongly, with some describing the experience as frightening. Nitin Rana, a resident of Noida, said, “This is the strongest tremor I’ve ever experienced.”

At New Delhi Railway Station, Puneet gupta, who was waiting for a train to Prayagraj, described the sudden jolt as feeling “like a train coming to a screeching halt.”

A woman from Noida’s Sector 120, who was out for a morning walk, mentioned that she did not feel the tremors strongly but saw many people rushing out of buildings in fear.

Delhi’s Seismic Vulnerability
Delhi falls under Seismic Zone IV, making it highly prone to earthquakes. The region, located around 250 kilometers from the active Himalayan seismic belt, frequently experiences tremors from both near and distant earthquakes.

Over the years, the Jheel Park area has recorded low-intensity earthquakes, with the last significant one being a 3.3-magnitude tremor in 2015. In 2020, a series of earthquakes, including a 3.5-magnitude quake in April and a 4.4-magnitude tremor near Rohtak in May, triggered widespread panic in the densely populated city.

As authorities monitor the situation for aftershocks, experts advise residents to stay alert and follow safety measures in case of future seismic activity.