New Delhi: A series of powerful earthquakes rattled North India early Monday morning, sending waves of panic across the region. The tremors, which struck at 5:36 AM and later at 8:02 AM, forced people out of their homes in the national capital and neighboring areas, reviving fears of a major seismic event.
Delhi-NCR Shaken at Dawn
The first earthquake, recorded at a magnitude of 4.0 on the Richter scale, struck the heart of Delhi at 5:36 AM. The epicenter was pinpointed near Durgabai Deshmukh College of Special Education in Dhaulakuna, just 5 km beneath the surface. Strong tremors were felt across Delhi, Noida, Greater Noida, and Ghaziabad, prompting many residents to rush out of their homes in fear.
Videos surfacing on social media showed chandeliers swinging, furniture shifting, and startled residents discussing the intense tremor. Some reported it as one of the strongest quakes they had experienced in recent times.
Despite the intensity, there were no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage. Authorities are keeping a close watch on the situation, urging people to remain vigilant against possible aftershocks.
Second Quake Strikes Bihar
Just a couple of hours later, at 8:02 AM, another earthquake of the same magnitude (4.0) was recorded in Bihar. The tremor impacted a vast 150-square-kilometer stretch, including Siwan district. Though brief, the jolt startled residents and raised concerns over back-to-back seismic activity in different parts of North India.
Government’s Response
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media platform X to address the situation. He said, “Delhi and the surrounding areas felt the tremors.” To be on the lookout for any aftershocks, everyone is asked to maintain composure and take safety precautions.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation.”
Meanwhile, disaster management teams and local authorities are assessing the impact and ensuring public safety. Experts warn that aftershocks are possible and advise residents to stay cautious.
Concerns Over Rising Seismic Activity
North India, particularly the Delhi-NCR region, sits in a seismically active zone, making it vulnerable to earthquakes. Experts have repeatedly emphasized the importance of structural preparedness, emergency drills, and public awareness in mitigating earthquake-related risks.
With two back-to-back earthquakes in a single morning, concerns are now growing over potential future tremors. Seismologists suggest that while these quakes were moderate, they indicate ongoing tectonic activity that could lead to stronger shocks in the future.
Stay Safe, Stay Prepared
Authorities have issued safety guidelines, urging residents to:
- Move to open areas if indoors during a tremor.
- Stay away from windows, heavy furniture, or anything that may fall.
- Keep emergency kits ready with essential supplies.
- Follow official updates and avoid spreading unverified information.
As North India recovers from this sudden jolt, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of natural disasters. While today’s earthquakes did not cause significant harm, they have left behind a sense of unease, reinforcing the need for continuous vigilance and preparedness.
