A shallow earthquake shook the NCR; PM Modi advises calm and vigilance for potential aftershocks.
NEW DELHI, Feb 17: Significant tremors were experienced in the national capital and nearby areas as a 4.0 magnitude earthquake hit the region early on Monday.
Reports of damage or injuries were not immediately available.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on residents to remain calm, adhere to safety measures, and stay alert for possible aftershocks.
In a post on X, Modi mentioned, “Tremors were felt in Delhi and adjacent areas. I urge everyone to stay composed and take safety precautions, keeping an eye out for possible aftershocks. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation.”
The earthquake’s epicenter was identified in the Jheel Park area of Dhaula Kuan, with reports of a loud noise accompanying the shaking.
According to the National Center for Seismology, the quake occurred at a depth of five kilometers at 5:36 am.
Shallow earthquakes typically cause more damage than deeper ones originating from below the surface.
The Jheel Park vicinity has experienced minor, low-magnitude quakes approximately every two to three years, including a 3.3 magnitude quake recorded in 2015, as noted by officials.
A statement from the Delhi Police on X read, “We hope everyone is safe, Delhi!” They also reminded citizens to use the emergency 112 helpline if needed.
Residents of various high-rise buildings in Delhi, Noida, Greater Noida, and Ghaziabad fled their homes as the strong tremors struck.
A woman in her 50s walking in E Block of Noida Sector 20 commented, “‘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 individuals waiting outside their homes throughout Delhi-NCR, anxious about any aftershocks.
Naresh Kumar, a West Delhi resident, shared that it was the first time he had felt such a strong tremor.
Ratanlal Sharma, waiting for a train to Prayagraj at New Delhi railway station, described feeling a sudden jolt while on the platform. “It felt like a train suddenly came to a screeching halt,” he said.
One resident of a high-rise in Ghaziabad reported that the tremors were so intense that everyone rushed downstairs in fear.
AAP leader Atishi posted on X, “A strong earthquake just hit Delhi. I pray to God that everyone is safe.” AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal shared her post, expressing prayers for everyone’s safety.
“Massive tremors were felt 10 minutes ago in Delhi, waking us from sleep. I hope everyone is safe and sound,” remarked AICC national spokesperson Ragini Nayak in a post on X.
Delhi is located about 250 kilometers from the seismically active Himalayan collision zone and frequently experiences tremors from both distant and nearby earthquakes.
The national capital is situated in Seismic Zone IV of India’s seismic zoning map, which is the second highest risk category in the country. (Agencies)
