Earthquake of magnitude 4.0 hits Delhi-NCR, strong tremors felt across North India

An earthquake measuring 4.0 on the Richter scale shook parts of Delhi-NCR early Monday morning, according to the National Center for Seismology. The quake, which had its epicentre in New Delhi, struck at a depth of five kilometres at 5:36 am, the agency reported in a post on X.An official stated that the epicentre was located near Durgabai Deshmukh College of Special Education in Dhaula Kuan. The region, which has a lake nearby, has experienced low-magnitude tremors every two to three years, including a 3.3-magnitude earthquake in 2015, the official added.

A loud sound accompanied the tremors when the earthquake struck, the official noted. The strong shaking prompted residents of several high-rise buildings across Delhi, Noida, Greater Noida, and Ghaziabad to rush outdoors in alarm.

No damage or casualties have been reported yet.

Following the tremors, the Delhi Police took to X, stating, “We hope you all are safe, Delhi!” and urged citizens to contact the emergency helpline 112 for assistance.

AAP leader Atishi also shared on X, “A strong earthquake just hit Delhi. I pray to God that everyone is safe.” Resharing her post, AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal added, “I pray for the safety of everyone.”

AICC national spokesperson Ragini Nayak described the experience in a post on X, saying, “Massive tremors were felt 10 minutes back in Delhi, woke us up from sleep. I hope and pray everyone is safe and sound.”

Delhi falls under seismic zone IV, making it a high-risk area for earthquakes, with the northern region being the most vulnerable.

Delhi has faced several earthquakes over the years. In 1960, a magnitude 5.6 earthquake caused some damage in New Delhi. In 2001 and 2004, earthquakes hit the city due to the shifting of underground rocks. In 2007, a magnitude 4.1 earthquake occurred when two underground rock layers slid past each other.