Delhi was shaken awake this morning as a 4.4 magnitude earthquake hit Haryana’s Jhajjar district. The tremor struck at 9:04 am, sending ripples across Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, and even parts of western Uttar Pradesh.
Many residents across Delhi NCR said it felt like one of the longest tremors they had ever experienced. People ran out of their homes and offices. In several areas, fans moved, computers shook, and buildings swayed for a few seconds.
The epicentre was in Jhajjar, Haryana, with a depth of 10 km, according to the National Centre for Seismology. Tremors were also felt in Gurugram, Rohtak, Bahadurgarh, and Dadri. In UP, Meerut and Shamli, over 200 km away, also reported movement.
Delhi in Panic Mode
Videos and photos flooded social media within minutes. Most people said the tremor lasted longer than usual. In high-rise buildings across Noida and Gurugram, people rushed down the stairs. Some said their office desks shook and alarms went off.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) quickly issued a safety advisory. It reminded people not to panic, to avoid lifts, and to use stairs if they need to exit buildings. For those driving during a quake, NDRF advised stopping at an open space and waiting calmly.
Why Delhi Feels It Often
Earthquakes are not new to Delhi. The city lies in Seismic Zone 4, a high-risk earthquake area. Experts say the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates builds pressure under the surface. When that pressure releases, earthquakes occur.
Delhi sits on several active fault lines, including the Delhi-Haridwar Ridge, Sohna Fault, and Mahendragarh-Dehradun Fault. These make the region more likely to experience sudden jolts.
The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) says that while most earthquakes are not deadly, the city must stay prepared. Since 1720, Delhi has felt at least five major earthquakes above 5.5 magnitude.
What Next?
Thankfully, today’s quake did not cause damage or injury. But it served as a strong reminder of Delhi’s risky geography. Buildings, especially old ones, need regular safety checks.
So next time you feel a shake, don’t ignore it. Know where to run, what to do, and how to stay calm. Because in Seismic Zone 4, Delhi will shake again.
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