Delhi-NCR Earthquake Today: Tremors Felt Across North India

A moderate earthquake with a magnitude of 4.4 struck parts of northern India on Wednesday morning, causing strong tremors in Delhi, the National Capital Region (NCR), and nearby areas. The epicentre of the quake was located in Jhajjar district, Haryana, about 200 km from parts of western Uttar Pradesh where the tremors were also felt.

The quake occurred at 9:04 AM and was recorded at a depth of 10 kilometers beneath the Earth's surface, according to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS). Though the magnitude was not very high, the shallow depth of the quake made the shaking more intense and widely felt.

Where the Tremors Were Felt

People in Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Faridabad, and many parts of Haryana felt the ground shake. The tremors were also reported in Rohtak, Bahadurgarh, Dadri, and as far as Meerut and Shamli in western Uttar Pradesh.

In many places, the earthquake caused ceiling fans to sway, windows to rattle, and light furniture to move. In high-rise apartments and office buildings, the shaking was more noticeable. People in these buildings rushed down the stairs and gathered outside in open spaces, fearing stronger shocks.

What People Experienced

Residents in Delhi-NCR said the tremors lasted for a few seconds but felt longer due to panic. Many people left their homes and workplaces immediately. Office workers in Noida and Gurugram described how computer monitors and chairs moved slightly, prompting staff to step out.

Some said it reminded them of past earthquakes that hit the region in recent years. Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram were flooded with posts about the earthquake. Some users also shared videos showing how their homes and offices shook.

Advisory by NDRF

Minutes after the quake, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) issued a public advisory urging people to stay calm and not panic. The advisory included important safety tips:

• Do not use lifts or elevators during tremors.
• Use stairs to exit the building, and move to open spaces if possible.
• Stay away from glass windows, ceiling fans, or any object that may fall.
• If you are driving, pull over in a safe, open space and remain inside the vehicle.

NDRF also reminded people to keep emergency kits, power banks, torches, and basic first-aid supplies ready at home, especially in quake-prone areas.

Why Delhi Faces Frequent Earthquakes

Delhi is located in Seismic Zone 4, which is one of India’s most earthquake-sensitive zones. Earthquakes in this region occur because of the ongoing movement between two large landmasses under the earth – the Indian plate and the Eurasian plate.

When these plates collide, they create tension along fault lines, which are cracks or weak zones in the Earth's crust. Over time, this tension builds up and is suddenly released as an earthquake.

Several fault lines run close to Delhi, including:

• Delhi-Haridwar Ridge
• Sohna Fault
• Delhi-Moradabad Fault
• Mahendragarh-Dehradun Fault

Because of these faults and the tectonic pressure in the region, mild to moderate earthquakes are common in Delhi and surrounding areas.

History of Earthquakes in Delhi

Delhi has experienced several significant earthquakes over the last few centuries. According to the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), at least five earthquakes of more than 5.5 magnitude have struck Delhi since 1720.

Some major ones include:

A 6.7 magnitude quake in 1803 that caused large-scale destruction.

The 2005 earthquake centered in Jammu and Kashmir, which was felt strongly in Delhi.

The Nepal earthquake in 2015, which also shook parts of Delhi-NCR.

While Wednesday’s quake was not as powerful, it serves as a clear reminder that the region remains vulnerable.

How to Stay Safe in an Earthquake

Since earthquakes come without any warning, it’s important to know how to respond quickly and safely:

If indoors:

Stay calm and take shelter under a sturdy table.

Protect your head and neck with your arms.

Stay away from windows, glass doors, and mirrors.

Do not use lifts; take the stairs carefully.

If outdoors:

Move to an open area away from buildings, trees, electric poles, and wires.

Sit or lie down until the shaking stops.

If driving:

Slow down and stop at a safe spot.

Avoid stopping under bridges, flyovers, or near tall buildings.

This earthquake once again reminds us of the importance of disaster preparedness. While no injuries or damages have been reported so far, the experience left many residents shaken and reminded of Delhi’s location in a high-risk zone.

The government, housing societies, schools, and workplaces should regularly conduct safety drills and ensure emergency plans are in place. As our cities grow taller and denser, earthquake safety must become a priority.

Preparedness today can save lives tomorrow.