Earthquake of Magnitude 4.0 Jolts Delhi and NCR: PM Modi Urges Caution
New Delhi: In a sudden jolt early Monday morning, an earthquake of magnitude 4.0 struck Delhi and its adjoining National Capital Region (NCR), triggering panic among residents. The National Center for Seismology (NCS) confirmed that the earthquake had its epicenter in Delhi and occurred at a shallow depth of 5 kilometers, amplifying its impact. The tremors were also felt in several parts of North India, causing concern among citizens and authorities alike.
Residents Experience Strong Tremors
The earthquake, which hit around 6:15 AM, startled residents from their sleep. Many reported experiencing strong tremors for a few seconds, prompting them to rush out of their homes and buildings in fear. Several citizens took to social media to describe their experiences, with some reporting minor structural damages such as cracks in walls and furniture shaking violently.
"I was getting ready for work when I suddenly felt a jolt. The walls of my house started shaking, and I ran outside along with my family," said Ramesh Kumar, a resident of South Delhi.
Another resident, Priya Sharma from Noida, described the tremors as "frightening," stating, "It felt like the ground beneath my feet was vibrating. I could see the ceiling fan swaying, and I immediately ran out of my apartment."
Prime Minister Modi Urges Caution
In response to the earthquake, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X (formerly Twitter) to reassure citizens and urge them to remain calm. "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 wrote.
The Prime Minister’s message was echoed by several government agencies, urging people to be vigilant and follow standard earthquake safety protocols. Authorities have emphasized the importance of avoiding panic and ensuring personal safety during aftershocks.
Delhi Police and Disaster Response on High Alert
Following the earthquake, the Delhi Police issued an advisory, urging citizens to remain cautious and call the emergency 112 helpline in case of distress. "Residents are advised to stay in open areas if possible and avoid standing near unstable structures. In case of emergency, dial 112 for assistance," the advisory read.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local fire departments were also placed on high alert, ready to respond to any untoward incidents. Officials confirmed that there have been no reports of casualties so far, though minor damages were observed in some areas.
Impact on Public Infrastructure
While the earthquake was not of a very high magnitude, its shallow depth caused noticeable tremors. Several metro commuters in Delhi-NCR reported disruptions as trains were temporarily halted for safety inspections. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) later confirmed that normal services resumed within minutes after conducting safety checks.
"As a precautionary measure, all metro trains were stopped momentarily. Once safety inspections were completed, operations resumed as normal," a DMRC spokesperson stated.
Similarly, authorities at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) reported no major disruptions, though some flight operations were briefly paused for security evaluations.
Scientific Perspective on the Earthquake
Experts from the National Center for Seismology highlighted that Delhi falls within Seismic Zone IV, which makes it susceptible to moderate to strong earthquakes.
"The earthquake today was relatively mild but significant enough to be felt widely. Since it originated at a shallow depth, the intensity was more pronounced on the surface. It serves as a reminder that the region is seismically active, and preparedness is key," said Dr. Anil Kumar, a senior seismologist at NCS.
Dr. Kumar also cautioned about the possibility of aftershocks, stating that residents should remain vigilant for the next 24 to 48 hours. "Although aftershocks may not always occur, it is advisable to be prepared for mild tremors following a primary seismic event."
Government and Civic Authorities' Response
Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor, Vinai Kumar Saxena, convened an emergency meeting with disaster management officials to assess the situation and ensure preparedness for any future tremors. The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has been instructed to inspect high-rise buildings, flyovers, and other critical infrastructure for any damage.
"Our teams are actively monitoring the situation. While the tremors were brief, safety remains our top priority. We urge residents to report any structural damage to authorities and follow safety guidelines," said a spokesperson from DDMA.
Residents Recall Past Earthquakes
This earthquake has brought back memories of past seismic events in the region. In recent years, Delhi has witnessed several minor to moderate tremors, with experts warning that the area remains vulnerable to larger quakes in the future.
In 2020, a series of mild earthquakes rattled Delhi-NCR, raising concerns about a larger impending seismic event. Similar tremors were felt in 2021 and 2023, though they did not cause major damage.
"I remember the tremors from a few years ago, and today’s quake felt quite similar. It’s always scary because we don’t know how strong it could get," said Ankit Verma, a resident of Gurugram.
Safety Measures and Public Awareness
In light of this event, experts have reiterated the importance of earthquake preparedness. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has urged citizens to adopt precautionary measures, such as:
Staying Indoors During Tremors – If indoors, residents are advised to take cover under sturdy furniture and stay away from windows and heavy objects.
Evacuating to Open Spaces – If outside, one should move to open areas away from buildings, trees, and power lines.
Emergency Kits – Families are encouraged to keep emergency kits containing essentials such as water, food, flashlights, and first-aid supplies.
Structural Assessments – Residents living in high-rise buildings or old structures should check for cracks and report any structural weaknesses to authorities.
Emergency Contact Plans – Families should establish emergency communication plans in case of network disruptions.
Calls for Improved Infrastructure Resilience
Seismologists and disaster management experts have long advocated for strengthening Delhi’s infrastructure to withstand earthquakes. The city has many old and unreinforced buildings that pose a risk during seismic events.
"There is an urgent need for retrofitting old buildings and ensuring that new constructions adhere to seismic safety norms. We have seen in other parts of the world how well-planned infrastructure can significantly reduce earthquake-related damage and casualties," said Dr. Pankaj Mehta, an urban planner.
The Delhi government has also been urged to conduct earthquake drills in schools, offices, and residential complexes to improve public preparedness.
Conclusion
The 4.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Delhi and NCR on Monday morning has served as a wake-up call for residents and authorities alike. While no major damage or casualties have been reported, the event highlights the need for continued vigilance and preparedness in a seismically active region.
With authorities keeping a close watch on the situation and residents staying alert, the city has once again demonstrated resilience in the face of natural adversity. However, experts stress that long-term measures, including improved infrastructure and public awareness, remain crucial to minimizing risks in the future.
