Despite the tremors lasting only a few seconds, their intensity was sufficient to unsettle residents, prompting many to rush out of their homes as a precautionary measure. While the earthquake caused widespread panic, there have been no immediate reports of casualties or damage to property. However, Delhi-NCR falls under Seismic Zone IV, so the region remains susceptible to moderate to strong earthquakes.
New Delhi: Strong earthquake tremors shook the Delhi-NCR region in the early hours of Monday, creating panic among residents.
According to the National Center for Seismology (NCS), the tremors, registering a magnitude of 4.0, were felt around 5:36 a.m. and had a depth of 5 kilometres.
While the earthquake caused widespread panic, there have been no immediate reports of casualties or damage to property.
The earthquake struck at a latitude of 28.59 North and longitude of 77.16 East, impacting areas such as Delhi, Noida, Indirapuram, and other parts of the National Capital Region (NCR).
The NCS confirmed the tremors, posting an update on social media platform X, stating: “EQ of M: 4.0, On: 17/02/2025 05:36:55 IST, Lat: 28.59 N, Long: 77.16 E, Depth: 5 Km, Location: New Delhi, Delhi.”
The epicentre was near Durgabai Deshmukh College of Special Education in Dhaula Kuan, an official told PTI.
That region, which has a lake nearby, has been experiencing smaller, low-magnitude quakes once every two to three years. It recorded an earthquake of 3.3 magnitude in 2015, he said.
A loud sound was also heard when the earthquake hit, the official added.
In a post on X, The Delhi Police said, “We hope you all are safe, Delhi!”
It also urged citizens to call on the emergency 112 helpline for emergencies.
The strong tremors triggered by the earthquake prompted residents of several high-rise buildings in Delhi, Noida, Greater Noida and Ghaziabad to rush out of their homes.
Despite the tremors lasting only a few seconds, their intensity was sufficient to unsettle residents, prompting many to rush out of their homes as a precautionary measure.
A woman in her 50s who was out on a morning walk in E Block of Noida Sector 20 said, “‘Hum log bahar park me walk kar rahe the toh pata nahin chala. Lekin kafi tej tha. Log bahar aa gaye. (We were walking in the park, so we didn’t feel it strongly. But it was quite strong. People came rushing out)’.”
Visuals from PTI Videos showed people waiting outside their homes across Delhi-NCR, fearful of any aftershock.
Naresh Kumar, a resident of West Delhi, said this was the first time that he had experienced such a strong tremor.
Ratanlal Sharma, who was waiting at New Delhi railway station for a train to Prayagraj, said he was at the platform when he felt a sudden jolt.
“It felt like a train suddenly came to a screeching halt,” he said.
A resident of a high-rise in Ghaziabad said the tremors were so strong that everyone rushed downstairs in panic.
The National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi is located about 250 kilometres from the seismically-active Himalayan collision zone and frequently experiences far- and near-field shaking due to Himalayan and local sources, respectively.
A 3.5-magnitude quake on April 12, 2020 and a 3.4-magnitude one on May 10, 2020, in northeast Delhi and a 4.4-magnitude earthquake on May 29, 2020, near Rohtak (about 50 kilometres west of Delhi), followed by more than a dozen aftershocks, sparked panic in the densely populated habitat.
Delhi is placed in Seismic Zone IV in the seismic zoning map of India. This intraplate region is exposed to moderate to high risk due to Himalayan earthquakes.
Political leaders turned to social media platform X to express their concerns for the safety of the public following the earthquake.
Former Delhi Chief Minister Atishi shared her thoughts, stating, “A strong earthquake just hit Delhi. I pray to God that everyone is safe.”
Similarly, AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal expressed his sentiments by saying, “I pray for the safety of everyone.”
However, Delhi-NCR falls under Seismic Zone IV, so the region remains susceptible to moderate to strong earthquakes.
Residents are urged to stay alert and follow safety protocols during such events.
Authorities have not provided further details, but experts continue to monitor the situation.
Earthquake preparedness and awareness are crucial in seismic-prone areas like Delhi-NCR, where tremors of varying magnitudes are occasionally felt.
Agencies