A mild earthquake measuring 3.7 on the Richter scale hit Jhajjar in Haryana on Friday evening (July 11), with tremors felt across Delhi-NCR. This was the second earthquake in the region in just two days.
The National Centre for Seismology (NCS) said that the epicentre was in Jhajjar, Haryana. Interestingly, Thursday’s stronger earthquake of 4.4 magnitude also came from the same place.
The earthquake struck at 7:49 PM, with its centre located at 28.68°N latitude and 76.72°E longitude, and a depth of 10 km, according to a post by NCS on X (formerly Twitter).
Earlier this year, on February 17, a 4.0 magnitude earthquake also shook Delhi-NCR early in the morning at 5:36 AM. Its epicentre was reported 9 km east of New Delhi, with a depth of 5 km.
These frequent tremors have alarmed residents, many of whom rushed outside their homes in fear during the recent quakes.
Read more: Delhi Shaken by 4.4 Haryana Earthquake; Many Say ‘Longest in Life’
Why Are Earthquakes Common in Delhi?
Delhi falls in Seismic Zone IV, which means it is at high risk for damage during earthquakes. This zone has the potential for moderate to strong earthquakes.
The reason for Delhi’s vulnerability is its location near the Himalayan fault lines. This region is one of the most earthquake-prone areas in the world because the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates are constantly pushing against each other.
Earthquakes in Delhi-NCR can be caused by nearby areas like Jhajjar or Rohtak in Haryana, or even distant places like Himachal Pradesh, Nepal, or Afghanistan.
Also Read: Nepal Experiences 3.5 Magnitude Earthquake, Epicenter at 27.70°N, No Damage Reported
Adding to the risk, Delhi has a high population, unregulated building construction, and many old structures, which makes the city more prone to damage if a major quake occurs.
