Earthquake in Delhi-NCR: Key Details

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Earthquake in Delhi-NCR: Key Details
A magnitude 4.0 earthquake struck Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) on February 17, 2025, at 5:36 AM IST. The tremors lasted a few seconds but caused significant panic due to their intensity and shallow depth of 5 km, amplifying the shaking. The epicenter was near Durgabai Deshmukh College of Special Education in Dhaula Kuan, an area historically prone to low-magnitude quakes .

Critical Information

  1. Impact and Reactions
  • Affected Areas: Tremors were felt across Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, Faridabad, and parts of North India .
  • Public Response: Residents rushed out of high-rise buildings, with many describing the shaking as “the strongest ever felt in Delhi.” Some reported hearing a loud, thunder-like sound during the quake, likened to a “low growl” or “wave in the ocean” .
  • Authorities’ Actions:
    • PM Narendra Modi urged citizens to stay calm, follow safety protocols, and remain alert for aftershocks .
    • Delhi Police activated emergency helpline 112 and assured monitoring .
  1. Seismic Context
  • Delhi lies in Seismic Zone IV (high-risk), making it vulnerable to moderate-to-strong earthquakes. The shallow depth of this quake intensified its effects .
  • The Dhaula Kuan region has a history of minor quakes, including a 3.3-magnitude event in 2015 .
  1. Aftershocks and Bihar Earthquake
  • A 4.0-magnitude aftershock hit Siwan, Bihar, at 8:02 AM IST, with a depth of 10 km. No damage was reported .
  1. Social Media and Public Concerns
  • Residents criticized the BhooKamp app for delayed updates and lack of emergency alerts .
  • Panic ensued at New Delhi Railway Station, where passengers compared the tremors to a “train running underground” .

Safety Measures Recommended

  • Keep an emergency kit with essentials like flashlights, first aid, and water.
  • Stay indoors under sturdy furniture during tremors; avoid elevators.
  • Monitor official updates for aftershock warnings.

For real-time updates, refer to the National Center for Seismology or local authorities. Stay vigilant and prioritize safety.

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