Delhi Earthquake: History of Strong Tremors in Delhi-NCR
On Monday morning, a moderate earthquake measuring 4.0 magnitude struck Delhi and nearby areas, causing panic among residents. The sudden tremors prompted people to evacuate their homes and buildings, seeking safety in open spaces. According to the National Center for Seismology (NCS), the epicenter was near Durgabai Deshmukh College of Special Education in Dhaula Kuan. The earthquake’s shallow depth of approximately five kilometres amplified its impact across the region.
Delhi falls within Seismic Zone IV, making it vulnerable to earthquakes due to its proximity to the Himalayan collision zone. The city has a history of seismic activity, with 2020 witnessing at least three earthquakes above magnitude 3.0, along with a series of aftershocks. Reports indicate that since 1720, Delhi has experienced at least five earthquakes exceeding 5.5 magnitude on the Richter scale.
Notable Earthquakes in Delhi-NCR
April-May 2020:
In 2020, Delhi-NCR experienced a series of earthquakes. A 3.5-magnitude quake struck northeast Delhi on April 12, followed by a 3.4-magnitude tremor on May 10. The strongest in this sequence was a 4.4-magnitude earthquake near Rohtak, approximately 50 kilometres west of Delhi, on May 29. The Rohtak quake triggered over a dozen aftershocks, leading to persistent seismic activity in the region.
April 25, 2015:
A 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck Nepal, with strong tremors felt across Delhi-NCR. The intensity in the capital prompted large-scale evacuations and caused minor structural damage. This earthquake was one of the most powerful to impact the region in recent history.
March 5, 2012:
A 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck near Delhi, causing panic among residents. Despite the strong tremors, no significant damage was reported.
September 7, 2011:
A 4.3-magnitude earthquake hit near Delhi, leading to noticeable shaking and prompting people to evacuate buildings as a precaution.
November 25, 2007:
Delhi experienced a 4.7-magnitude earthquake, resulting in minor structural damage and reinforcing concerns about the region’s seismic vulnerability.
October 8, 2005:
A powerful 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck Kashmir, with tremors strongly felt across Delhi.
These incidents underscore Delhi’s seismic vulnerability, highlighting the importance of public awareness regarding earthquake safety measures and the need for authorities to implement strategies to mitigate potential earthquake impacts.
