Early Monday morning, Delhi and its surrounding areas in the NCR were in for a shock when they got hit by a 4.0 magnitude earthquake. The tremors, though lasting only a few seconds, were strong enough to send a wave of panic through the capital. The epicenter of the quake was traced to Dhaula Kuan, near the Durgabai Deshmukh College of Special Education in South Delhi, according to the National Centre for Seismology.
The earthquake struck at a depth of just five kilometers at 5:36 am. This shallow depth likely explains the loud rumbling sound that accompanied the tremors, a sound that many residents reported hearing. Experts suggest that such a shallow quake can result in more noticeable ground movement and energy bursts. The rumbling could be due to the movement of tectonic plates close to the surface.
As the ground shook, many people in Delhi-NCR instinctively rushed out of their homes, seeking safety in the open air. While the tremors were significant, there were thankfully no immediate reports of casualties or major damage. Dhaula Kuan area, has a lake nearby, with history of minor seismic activity. The region had experienced smaller earthquakes every few years, including a 3.3 magnitude quake in 2015. Delhi-NCR lies within Seismic Zone IV, a zone classified as prone to moderate to strong earthquakes.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the citizens to remain calm and vigilant. He advised everyone to follow safety precautions and be prepared for potential aftershocks. He also assured the public that authorities were closely monitoring the situation.
