4.0 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Delhi, Strong Tremors Felt Across North India
On February 17, 2025, an earthquake with a magnitude of 4.0 struck Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) at approximately 5:36 AM IST. The epicenter was located within Delhi, at a shallow depth of 5 km. Tremors were felt across North India, causing residents to rush outdoors, particularly from high-rise buildings.
Immediate Response and Safety Measures:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to stay calm, follow safety protocols, and be prepared for potential aftershocks.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, with no immediate reports of damage or casualties.
Seismic Vulnerability of Delhi:
Delhi falls under Seismic Zone IV, indicating a high-risk area for earthquakes. The city has a history of moderate earthquakes and often experiences tremors from earthquakes originating in the Himalayas, Afghanistan, or China.
The current earthquake’s shallow depth and proximity to densely populated areas contributed to the strong impact of the tremors. High-rise buildings and the soft alluvial soil in some areas of Delhi can amplify seismic waves, intensifying the shaking.
Past Earthquakes in Delhi-NCR Region:
January 7, 2025: A 7.1 magnitude earthquake in Tibet’s Xizang area caused light seismic activity in Delhi-NCR. The earthquake in Tibet resulted in at least 126 deaths and over 180 injuries.
August 29, 2024: Mild tremors were felt in Delhi-NCR after a 5.7 magnitude earthquake hit Afghanistan at a depth of 255 kilometers.
Why Delhi Experiences Frequent Tremors:
Delhi is situated near active fault lines, including the Delhi-Hardwar Ridge and the Mahendragarh-Dehradun fault.
The seismicity in North India is due to the collision of the Indian plate with the Eurasian plate, a continuous process over millions of years. The stress buildup along these plate margins eventually releases as earthquakes.
