New Delhi, February 17, 2025 – Early Monday morning, residents of Delhi-NCR were jolted awake by a 4.0 magnitude earthquake, the epicenter of which was located in the heart of New Delhi. The seismic event occurred at approximately 5:36 am, at a shallow depth of just 5 kilometers, amplifying the intensity of the tremors felt across the region.
The Earthquake’s Impact
The National Centre for Seismology (NCS) promptly confirmed the magnitude and location of the earthquake, emphasizing the shallow depth as a reason for the strong shaking. “When an earthquake occurs at such a shallow depth, the energy released travels a shorter distance to the surface, making the tremors more pronounced,” explained Dr. Seema Gupta, a seismologist at NCS.
Reports from various parts of Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurgaon described scenes of chaos as people rushed out of their homes and high-rise buildings. Social media platforms, including X, were flooded with posts from residents sharing their experiences, with many mentioning the loud rumbling sounds that accompanied the shaking.
Public Reaction and Safety Measures
“Everyone in my building was out in moments. It was terrifying; the ground was literally moving under our feet,” shared Anil Kumar, a resident of South Delhi. Similar accounts came from other parts of the city, with people gathering in open spaces, waiting for the ground to stop moving.
No significant damage or casualties were reported in the immediate aftermath, a relief for the authorities and residents alike. However, minor damages like cracks in walls and fallen objects were noted in some areas. Emergency services were on high alert, with teams dispatched to check on infrastructure integrity, especially in older buildings.
Official Response
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media to assure the public. “I urge everyone to stay calm and follow safety protocols. We are monitoring the situation closely. Please avoid elevators and stay away from heavy objects that could fall,” he tweeted, emphasizing preparedness for aftershocks.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) warned of the possibility of aftershocks, advising people to stay vigilant. “After such an earthquake, it’s not uncommon to experience smaller quakes. We recommend everyone to be prepared and have an emergency kit ready,” stated an IMD official.
Post-Earthquake Actions
Local authorities have begun inspecting critical infrastructure like hospitals, schools, and transport systems to ensure they are safe for use. Community centers and schools were opened as temporary shelters for those too scared to return to their homes.
A Reminder of Seismic Vulnerability
This earthquake serves as a reminder of the seismic vulnerability of the Delhi-NCR region, which lies in a seismically active zone. Experts have long called for better preparedness and stricter enforcement of building codes to withstand such natural calamities.
As the day progressed, life in Delhi-NCR returned to normalcy, but the morning’s events left an indelible mark on the residents’ minds, highlighting the unpredictable nature of living on a dynamic planet like Earth.