Shudders of North India Early Morning
The people of North India woke up during the early hours of February 17, 2025, with Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) struck by a 4.0 magnitude earthquake at about 5:35 am. The temporary shudders saw a great number of people abandon the buildings in terror, but to this date, no major damages or casualty has been witnessed.
Epicenter and Seismic Information
The epicenter of the quake was located by the National Center for Seismology (NCS) near Delhi, which occurred at a shallow depth of 5 kilometers. Shallow quakes generally produce more obvious ground shaking, and this is the reason why the impact was felt by residents despite a moderate magnitude. There were tremors in most parts of Delhi-NCR like Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurgaon.
Eyewitness Accounts
At the New Delhi Railway Station, the earthquake caused visible disruptions. Vendor Anish said, "Everything was shaking. customers started screaming." Customers and staff evacuated the building, causing brief chaos as people were worried about aftershocks.
Social media platforms were inundated with firsthand accounts and videos capturing the quake's impact. One particularly striking video showed parked cars trembling and doors swaying, underscoring the quake's force. Users expressed their alarm and shared experiences, highlighting the widespread nature of the tremors.
Official Response
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation within minutes of the event, appealing for calm and urging people to remain vigilant for any possibility of aftershocks. He emphasized the importance of adhering to safety protocols in case of such incidents. Emergency departments were placed on standby and disaster response units prepared for any contingency.
Seismic Activity in Delhi-NCR
The proximity of Delhi to seismically active areas of the Himalayas renders the city susceptible to earthquakes. The area has experienced similar earthquakes before:
February 6, 2017: A 5.1-magnitude earthquake struck approximately 291 kilometers northeast of Delhi.
October 20, 1991: An earthquake measuring 6.8 struck about 280 kilometers northeast of the capital.
Such events go on to show that the area is prone to seismic activities.
Knowledge of the Effect
Although a 4.0 level earthquake is typically categorized as moderate, the shallow depth of the quake caused its impact to be more perceived. Shallow earthquakes, which are nearer to the surface of the earth, tend to cause stronger shaking, one that individuals find unpleasant. Experts say that geological properties of Delhi-NCR are such that even minor scale seismic activity may be amplified here.
Safety Measures and Preparedness
In light of the recent earthquake, authorities have once again reminded people of the importance of being prepared for an earthquake. The public is encouraged to familiarize themselves with precautions such as:
When There is an Earthquake: Drop under a heavy table or desk and hold on until the shaking has stopped.
Following an Earthquake: Check for injuries and dangers, stay updated through official information, and be prepared for aftershocks.
Schools and workplaces are encouraged to conduct regular earthquake simulations to be ready. Structural inspections of buildings, especially older buildings, are important to identify and rectify weaknesses.
Recent Seismic Activity in India
Interestingly enough, the Delhi-NCR earthquake was followed by a series of seismic activity in various regions of India on the same day:
Not long after the Delhi shaking, a 4.0 magnitude earthquake hit Siwan, Bihar, at 8:02 am.
Later in the day, a 4.7 magnitude earthquake struck Odisha's Puri district at around 8:15 am.
While these happened with shock, there was no serious loss of property. The fact that several quakes happened in different locations on a single day has generated controversy among seismologists about potential underlying patterns.
Seismic Vulnerability of Delhi
The vulnerability of Delhi to earthquakes is due to its geologic setting. Delhi lies in proximity to various fault lines and is under tectonic pressure from the Himalayas. Scientists have found that the accumulation of strain energy within the fault lines can be the cause of repetitive earthquakes.
The Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology has pointed out that Delhi-NCR tremors are an indication of such strain accumulation, the significance of which is underlined by repeated monitoring and preparedness.
Public Awareness and Education
The recent seismic activity has pointed out the necessity of seismic hazard consciousness among citizens. Public education on earthquake readiness, seismic zone knowledge, and implementation of protective measures can greatly reduce risks. Workshops, community drills, and information through media can facilitate residents to act suitably during seismic activity.
Conclusion
The 4.0 quake that hit Delhi-NCR on February 17, 2025, is a grim reminder of the seismic vulnerability of the region. Although no widespread damage was caused, the incident points towards the need for preparedness, awareness, and strict adherence to safety protocols.
As seismic activity is an integral part of the regional geology, continued education, infrastructure assessment, and emergency preparedness remain the key to reducing risks in the future.
For real-time seismic updates, visit the National Center for Seismology (NCS): https://seismo.gov.in
Stay informed, stay safe!