TL;DR: Early today, a 4.0 magnitude earthquake jolted Delhi-NCR at 5:36 am, with its epicenter near Dhaula Kuan. Residents felt strong tremors, but no immediate damage or injuries have been reported. Authorities urge calm and caution.
This morning, Delhi-NCR residents got a jolt out of their beds as a 4.0 magnitude earthquake rocked the region at 5:36 am. The National Center for Seismology pinpointed the epicenter near Durgabai Deshmukh College of Special Education in Dhaula Kuan, with the quake originating just 5 km beneath the surface.
The tremors were so intense that folks in high-rise buildings across Delhi, Noida, Greater Noida, and Ghaziabad dashed out of their homes in a panic. Anil Kumar from Sita Ram Bazar shared, "I felt a strong vibration and got scared. My wife and I immediately woke up our child and rushed outside." Another resident mentioned, "At 5:35 am, the whole building was shaking... Our whole family ran outside the home. I have never felt such strong tremors of an earthquake."
Interestingly, despite the moderate magnitude, the quake felt stronger because its epicenter was right in Delhi. Srijan Pal Singh, a former advisor to the President, explained, "Residents felt bigger tremors than ever before because the epicenter was in Delhi itself. This is how quakes feel at the epicenter."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media, urging everyone to stay calm and follow safety precautions, while authorities keep a close watch on the situation. Delhi Police also shared an emergency helpline number, advising residents to dial 112 for any assistance.
Experts have noted that the Delhi region often experiences tremors due to both distant Himalayan quakes and local seismic activities. A senior scientist mentioned that today's tremor was caused by natural variations in the region's geological features, not plate tectonics.
While no immediate damage or injuries have been reported, it's a stark reminder of Delhi's vulnerability to seismic events. Residents are advised to stay alert for possible aftershocks and ensure they are familiar with earthquake safety measures.
In times like these, it's crucial for communities to come together, support one another, and ensure that safety protocols are in place. The working class, often residing in more precarious housing, faces greater risks during such natural calamities. It's imperative that urban planning and infrastructure development prioritize the safety and well-being of all citizens, especially the most vulnerable.
