Early Morning Earthquake Jolts Delhi-NCR Region

New Delhi : Residents of Delhi and the surrounding National Capital Region (NCR) woke up to a sudden jolt this Tuesday morning as a mild earthquake shook parts of the city and nearby areas. The tremors, which registered a magnitude of 3.2 on the Richter scale, were felt around 6:45 am, causing momentary panic among those who were already up and starting their day.

According to the National Center for Seismology (NCS), the epicenter of the quake was located in Faridabad, a district in Haryana that borders Delhi. The tremors lasted only a few seconds but were strong enough to be noticed in several areas of Delhi, Noida, and Gurugram. No casualties or damages have been reported so far.

Locals took to social media to share their experiences. “I was sipping my morning tea when suddenly the floor beneath my feet vibrated slightly. It was brief but definitely noticeable,” said Shalini Mehta, a resident of East Delhi. Similar experiences were reported from other areas including Saket, Rohini, and Dwarka.

Experts say that while a 3.2-magnitude quake is considered minor and generally not harmful, it’s still a reminder that the Delhi-NCR zone falls under a high seismic risk area. Earthquake scientist Dr. Rakesh Sharma explained that the tremors were a result of movements in the earth’s tectonic plates beneath the region. “These minor quakes are not uncommon here and often serve as a natural release of stress built up within the earth’s crust,” he noted.

Interestingly, this isn’t the first quake in the region in recent days. Just last week, mild tremors were felt in Jhajjar, another district in Haryana, sparking conversations about the region’s seismic vulnerability. While these incidents are generally harmless, the recurring nature of such quakes underscores the importance of preparedness and public awareness.

The Delhi-NCR region lies in seismic zone IV, which is classified as a high-damage risk zone. In such areas, even minor earthquakes can become a cause for concern due to the dense population and high-rise constructions. The municipal authorities and disaster response teams remain on alert but have advised residents to stay calm and not panic during such events.

There were no disruptions in public services, transportation, or utilities reported following the tremor. Schools, offices, and metro services continued their operations as usual. Still, the event sparked discussions in offices and homes across the city, with many wondering whether more quakes could follow.

As seismic monitoring continues, citizens are encouraged to be aware of basic safety protocols such as “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” during tremors and to ensure their homes and buildings follow earthquake-resistant guidelines. While today’s earthquake was a mild one, it served as a timely reminder that nature is unpredictable and caution should always be exercised.