The tremors lasted for a few seconds, but they were strong enough to cause alarm, particularly in densely populated areas. Officials from the National Disaster Management Authority and local authorities confirmed that there were no immediate reports of major damage or casualties. However, the seismic event has raised concerns about the region’s preparedness for such natural occurrences, considering the growing population and rapid urbanisation of the area.
The earthquake's epicentre was located approximately 10 kilometres from the city centre, with the tremors being felt across several districts of Delhi, including South and Central Delhi, as well as parts of Noida, Gurugram, and Faridabad. Witnesses reported that the shaking lasted for about 10-15 seconds, enough to cause visible movement in structures but not enough to trigger any significant structural failures.
Experts have weighed in on the potential causes of this earthquake, noting that Delhi lies near the active fault lines of the Himalayan seismic belt. While earthquakes of this magnitude are not uncommon in the region, they typically cause minimal damage. However, the increased frequency of smaller tremors in recent years has sparked concerns regarding the possibility of larger seismic events in the future.
Seismologists have pointed to the region's vulnerability due to the underlying geology of the area, which consists of soft soil, making buildings more susceptible to the effects of ground motion. This can result in buildings experiencing more intense shaking compared to areas with harder bedrock. Although Delhi has undertaken some earthquake preparedness measures, including stricter building codes, many older structures remain at risk in the event of a larger earthquake.
Following the tremors, local authorities quickly initiated checks on infrastructure, particularly older buildings and bridges. The Delhi Metro, a critical mode of transport in the region, temporarily suspended services for safety checks. Train services resumed after about an hour, once it was confirmed that no structural damage had occurred to the metro network.
Citizens in several areas shared their experiences on social media, with many expressing their shock and fear during the tremors. "It felt like the ground was shaking beneath us. I quickly ran out of my office, but I could see people all around, confused and worried," said one resident from Connaught Place. Others reported cracks appearing on walls in certain buildings, but no reports of major structural collapse have emerged so far.
India's National Centre for Seismology issued a statement reassuring the public that the earthquake's magnitude was moderate and did not pose a significant threat. "The magnitude of the earthquake was 4.0, which is considered low to moderate. Although such tremors can be unsettling, they typically do not result in major damage," the statement read.
Despite these reassurances, the incident has prompted increased scrutiny of the preparedness of Delhi and the wider NCR region in handling natural disasters, particularly given the rapid urban expansion in the area. The region has experienced several small tremors over the past few years, with some experts calling for enhanced disaster mitigation strategies to address the growing risks of seismic activity in the area.
Disaster management experts have recommended that authorities conduct more rigorous structural assessments of existing buildings, especially in high-density areas. With millions of people living in densely populated colonies, a larger earthquake could have a more devastating impact if adequate precautions are not taken.
Urban planning professionals have advocated for better integration of earthquake-resistant designs in both new and existing construction projects. "We need to take into account the seismic activity in this region when planning new developments. It’s vital that our buildings are designed to withstand these forces," said an urban planning expert. The integration of such measures could potentially mitigate the effects of future tremors and prevent large-scale destruction.
The event also highlighted the importance of public awareness regarding earthquake safety protocols. Several residents shared that they were unsure of what actions to take during the tremors, with some panicking and others unsure whether they should evacuate buildings. Experts have recommended that the public undergo more education on earthquake preparedness, including knowing how to react during such events to avoid injuries.