Delhi-NCR was jolted awake on Friday evening as tremors from a 3.7-magnitude earthquake rippled through the region, marking the second seismic event in just two days. The epicenter, located near Jhajjar in Haryana, approximately 51 km west of the national capital, sent residents into a brief state of panic. As the ground shook at 9:04 PM IST, social media platforms buzzed with accounts of swaying furniture, rattling windows, and a collective sense of unease. While no major damage or casualties have been reported, the recurring tremors have reignited discussions about Delhi’s seismic vulnerability and preparedness. Here’s everything you need to know about today’s earthquake and its implications.
The Quake: Magnitude, Depth, and Epicenter
According to the National Center for Seismology (NCS), the earthquake struck at a depth of 10 kilometers with its epicenter positioned 3 km northeast of Jhajjar, Haryana. The tremors, classified as a moderate 3.7 on the Richter scale, were felt across Delhi and its neighboring areas, including Noida, Gurugram, and Ghaziabad. The NCS reported the event at 9:04 PM IST, with seismic waves radiating outward, causing mild but noticeable shaking.
This marks the second earthquake to hit the region in 48 hours. On Thursday, July 10, a 4.4-magnitude quake, also centered near Jhajjar, rattled Delhi-NCR, raising concerns about the frequency of seismic activity in the area. While today’s quake was less intense, its proximity to the capital and shallow depth amplified its impact, making it perceptible to a large population.
Dr. Anil Kumar, a seismologist at the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, explained, “Shallow earthquakes like this one, even if moderate, can be felt more intensely because the seismic energy doesn’t dissipate as much before reaching the surface. The Delhi-NCR region lies in Seismic Zone IV, which is prone to moderate quakes, and these events serve as a reminder of our geological setting.”
Public Reaction: Fear, Caution, and Social Media Frenzy
As the tremors hit, residents across Delhi-NCR took to social media to share their experiences. Many described a sudden jolt that lasted a few seconds, enough to shake furniture and cause momentary alarm. “I was working at my desk when my chair started wobbling. It was brief but scary,” said Priya Malhotra, a resident of South Delhi’s Vasant Kunj. In Gurugram, office workers reported feeling their buildings sway, while in Noida, families rushed out of high-rise apartments as a precaution.
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) temporarily halted operations for safety checks, resuming services after confirming no damage to infrastructure. Schools and colleges, though largely empty due to the evening timing, issued advisories for students to remain vigilant. Local authorities, including the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), urged residents to stay calm and follow safety protocols, such as “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” during tremors.
Why Is Delhi-NCR Prone to Earthquakes?
Delhi-NCR’s susceptibility to earthquakes stems from its location in Seismic Zone IV, a high-risk zone according to India’s seismic zoning map. The region lies near several fault lines, including the Delhi-Haridwar Ridge and the Mahendragarh-Dehradun Fault. These geological features make the area vulnerable to tremors, often triggered by tectonic activity in the Himalayan region or local fault systems.
Dr. Meera Gupta, a geophysicist with the Geological Survey of India, noted, “The Indian plate is constantly pushing against the Eurasian plate, causing stress accumulation in the Himalayan belt. This stress can manifest as earthquakes, even in areas like Delhi, which are relatively far from the plate boundary. Additionally, local faults in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh contribute to seismic activity.”
Today’s quake, with its epicenter in Jhajjar, aligns with a pattern of seismic events in Haryana. The state has experienced multiple low-to-moderate quakes in recent years, often felt in Delhi due to its proximity. The shallow depth of these quakes—10 km in this case—amplifies their impact, as seismic waves travel with less attenuation.
No Damage, But a Wake-Up Call
Preliminary reports from the DDMA and local police confirm no significant damage or injuries from today’s earthquake. However, the event has sparked renewed discussions about Delhi’s preparedness for a larger quake. The capital’s dense population, high-rise buildings, and aging infrastructure pose significant challenges in the event of a major seismic event.
Urban planner Rajesh Menon highlighted the need for stricter enforcement of building codes. “Many older buildings in Delhi were not designed with seismic resistance in mind. Even in newer constructions, compliance with the National Building Code’s earthquake-resistant guidelines is inconsistent. We need regular audits and retrofitting programs to ensure safety.”
The DDMA has been proactive in conducting mock drills and awareness campaigns, but experts argue that more needs to be done. “Public awareness is critical. People need to know how to respond during a quake—avoiding elevators, staying away from glass windows, and identifying safe spots in their homes,” said Sunita Reddy, a disaster management expert.
Historical Context: Delhi’s Seismic Past
Delhi has a history of experiencing tremors, though major destructive earthquakes have been rare. In February 2025, a 4.0-magnitude quake with its epicenter in Dhaula Kuan shook the capital, uprooting a tree in a local park and causing widespread alarm. Earlier events, such as the 2001 Bhuj earthquake and the 2005 Kashmir quake, had distant epicenters but were felt in Delhi, underscoring the region’s connectivity to broader tectonic activity.
The NCS has recorded over a dozen minor quakes in the Delhi-NCR region in the past five years, most ranging between 2.5 and 4.5 in magnitude. While these events are typically harmless, they serve as reminders of the potential for a larger, more destructive quake. The 1960 Delhi earthquake, measuring 6.0 on the Richter scale, remains a benchmark for the region’s seismic risk, causing minor damage but no fatalities.
What Lies Ahead?
Today’s earthquake, while minor, has prompted calls for enhanced monitoring and preparedness. The NCS continues to monitor seismic activity through its network of observatories, but experts advocate for greater investment in early warning systems. “Countries like Japan have sophisticated systems that provide seconds to minutes of warning before a quake hits. India needs to prioritize such technology,” said Dr. Kumar.
For residents, the immediate focus is on safety and awareness. The DDMA has recommended that households prepare emergency kits with essentials like water, food, flashlights, and first-aid supplies. Community-level drills and school safety programs are also being emphasized to build resilience.
Government and Community Response
The Haryana government, in coordination with the DDMA, has announced inspections of critical infrastructure in Jhajjar and surrounding areas. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini assured the public that the state is prepared to handle any aftershocks, though none have been reported so far. In Delhi, Chief Minister Atishi urged residents to report any structural concerns in buildings to local authorities.
Community organizations have also stepped up, with resident welfare associations (RWAs) in high-rise societies planning earthquake preparedness workshops. “We’re organizing a session with a seismologist to educate residents. It’s about being proactive rather than reactive,” said Rakesh Gupta, president of a Gurugram RWA.
Conclusion: A Reminder of Nature’s Power
The 3.7-magnitude earthquake that shook Delhi-NCR today was a fleeting but sobering reminder of the region’s seismic reality. While the tremors caused no harm, they underscore the importance of preparedness in a city of 20 million. From enforcing stricter building codes to raising public awareness, Delhi must act swiftly to mitigate risks. As the capital recovers from the jolt, the focus must shift to building a resilient future—one that can withstand the unpredictable forces beneath our feet.
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Last Updated on: Friday, July 11, 2025 9:01 pm by Hemang Warudkar | Published by: Hemang Warudkar on Friday, July 11, 2025 9:01 pm | News Categories: India, General, Latest, Trending
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