4.4-Magnitude Earthquake Jolts Delhi-NCR Region
Strong earthquake tremors shook the Delhi-NCR region on Thursday morning after a 4.4-magnitude quake struck near Jhajjar in Haryana. The tremors were felt around 9:04 AM and lasted several seconds, causing alarm among residents in Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and surrounding areas.
Delhi Earthquake
The tremors, though brief, were strong enough to cause temporary halts in Delhi Metro services and prompt people in high-rises and office complexes to evacuate buildings. Many residents reported feeling their furniture shake and fans swing during the early morning jolt. However, authorities have confirmed that there have been no reports of casualties or structural damage.
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation temporarily halted train movement as a precautionary measure, especially in elevated sections. Services resumed shortly after necessary safety checks were completed.
Jhajjar Epicentre
According to the National Centre for Seismology, the earthquake had its epicentre about 3 km northeast of Jhajjar in Haryana, with a depth of 10 km. The quake was categorized as a shallow-focus event, which often results in more noticeable surface-level shaking.
Haryana’s Jhajjar region falls within the broader Delhi-NCR seismic zone, and such tremors are not unusual. However, the intensity of this quake reminded many residents of the region’s vulnerability to seismic activity.
Seismic Tremors
The Delhi-NCR region lies in Seismic Zone IV, which signifies a moderate to high risk of earthquakes. Thursday’s event follows a series of minor tremors reported earlier this year, underlining the importance of earthquake preparedness in the capital and surrounding areas.
Emergency services remained on alert for several hours post the event, though normalcy returned quickly. Experts stress the need for stringent building codes, public awareness campaigns, and emergency response drills in the region, given the increasing urban density and the area’s tectonic sensitivity.
Authorities have urged citizens to remain calm during such events and follow standard safety measures such as “drop, cover, and hold” in case of future tremors.
Keywords: Delhi earthquake, seismic tremors, Jhajjar epicentre
