Panic Grips Delhi-NCR as Strong Earthquake Strikes Jhajjar, Haryana; Tremors Felt Across Region

In a startling and anxiety-filled morning for the National Capital Region, strong earthquake tremors jolted #DelhiNCR on Thursday, prompting widespread panic and a rush to safety across Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Faridabad, and other nearby areas.

The tremors were felt around 9:04 a.m., shaking buildings and unnerving residents in what many described as the “longest and strongest” tremor they had experienced in years.

According to the #NationalCentreForSeismology (NCS), the earthquake was measured at 4.4 magnitude on the #RichterScale, with its epicentre located in Jhajjar, Haryana, approximately 10 kilometres beneath the Earth’s surface.

Though categorised as a moderate quake, the intensity was sufficient to send people fleeing their homes, offices, and workplaces as a safety precaution.

Eyewitnesses across the region recounted their experience of the tremors. “I was working on my laptop when my chair began to shake. I thought I was imagining it, but then I saw the fan swinging,” said a Delhi resident. “That’s when I knew it was an earthquake and immediately ran outside.”

Another resident from Noida said, “It was a very strong jolt — one of the strongest we’ve felt in a long time. Everyone in our building came running out. Thankfully, it didn’t last very long.”

“I saw people pour out into the streets in panic. It brought back memories of previous earthquakes, and people were really frightened,” a Gurugram local told reporters.

The tremors sparked an immediate reaction from the #NationalDisasterResponseForce (NDRF), which swiftly issued an advisory urging citizens to remain calm and adhere to the recommended ‘dos and don’ts’ before, during, and after an earthquake. Their guidance included tips such as seeking shelter under sturdy furniture, moving away from windows and glass, and avoiding elevators during such seismic events.

Fortunately, no casualties or significant damage to infrastructure have been reported as of now, though local and national agencies are continuing to monitor the situation closely. Emergency services remain on alert, and geologists are analysing aftershock potential and regional seismic activity.

This event marks the second notable earthquake in the region in recent months. On June 8, a minor earthquake of magnitude 2.3 was recorded with its epicentre in South East Delhi. Earlier in February, a 4.0 magnitude quake with its epicentre near Dhaula Kuan had also caused brief panic, though no damage was reported.

In April 2024, tremors from a 5.9 magnitude earthquake in Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush region were felt across northern India, including the national capital. Despite the intensity, it did not result in casualties within India’s borders.

 

Historically, Delhi is not considered highly seismically active compared to regions like the Himalayan belt, but it lies in Seismic Zone IV, indicating a high level of seismic vulnerability. While no earthquake of magnitude 6 or above has struck the city in the past decade, #moderateTremors are not uncommon.

The most powerful earthquake recorded in Delhi’s history occurred on August 27, 1960, with a magnitude of 6.0, which left a significant impact on infrastructure and public consciousness at the time.

Experts have consistently warned that Delhi-NCR remains at risk due to its dense population and rapidly growing infrastructure. Geologists and disaster preparedness officials have emphasised the importance of #earthquakePreparedness, especially in urban clusters with tall buildings and high human concentration.

As the dust settles after Thursday’s tremor, the focus has now shifted to strengthening awareness and infrastructure resilience across the region. For now, authorities continue to assess the situation, even as citizens breathe a sigh of relief that the incident passed without any tragic outcomes.