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India News Today: Early Morning Earthquake in Delhi Triggers Panic, Noida & Ghaziabad Feel Strong Tremors, Are More Tremors on the Way

 

A 4.0 magnitude quake hit Delhi-NCR early Monday morning, prompting the people of high-rise buildings to scramble outside. The earthquake, at 5:36 am, had its epicenter close to Durgabai Deshmukh College of Special Education in Dhaula Kuan. The quake happened at a shallow depth of five kilometers, hence causing stronger shaking, said officials. So far, there are no reports of injury or damage.

After the Delhi tremors, there was another earthquake of 4.0 magnitude that hit Bihar's Siwan district at 8:02 am. The authorities are keeping a close watch and advising the people to be cautious.

 

Panic Among Residents

 

Most Delhi residents reported the earthquake as unusually intense. Citizens in Noida, Greater Noida, and Ghaziabad panicked and ran out of their structures. Some heard a very loud noise during the earthquake. A street vendor at New Delhi railway station remembered, "Everything was shaking, and people started screaming."

Amit, a Noida resident, reported, "The entire building was shaking, and we all came out. It was the biggest earthquake I ever experienced."

 

PM Modi on Delhi Earthquake: PM Modi Advises Caution

 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about the situation, asking people to remain calm and take safety measures. He also stressed the need to remain vigilant for aftershocks. The Delhi Police also assured citizens to call emergency helplines if necessary.

Delhi’s acting Chief Minister Atishi and former CM Arvind Kejriwal both expressed their concerns and prayed for everyone’s safety.

 

Delhi’s Seismic Vulnerability

 

Delhi lies in Seismic Zone IV and is thus highly susceptible to earthquakes. Minor tremors regularly hit the area because it is near the Himalayan seismic region. Delhi-NCR registered tremors from a 7.2-magnitude earthquake in China's Xinjiang in January. Another 6.1-magnitude earthquake in Afghanistan also hit the capital earlier this year.

The city has experienced a number of moderate earthquakes over the years, such as a 3.5-magnitude earthquake in April 2020 and a 4.4-magnitude earthquake in May 2020 near Rohtak. Experts opine that shallow earthquakes, such as the one on Monday, can produce more intense shaking despite moderate intensity.

 

Why Does Delhi Experience Frequent Tremors

 

Delhi seismicity is driven by shifts in the Himalayas as well as faults local to Delhi. Minor shakes occur every three to two years along the zone near Dhaula Kuan, experts say. The zone also experienced a 3.3-magnitude earthquake in 2015.
The tremor on Monday is a reminder of seismic risk in the region. Officials advise people to remain alert, not panic, and adhere to safety protocols in such situations.