Residents of Delhi and the surrounding NCR woke up to a sudden jolt on Monday morning, February 17, as an earthquake shook the city. Many took to social media, describing the tremors as unusually strong, with some even reporting a loud noise just before the ground shook.
Though the earthquake was recorded at a magnitude of 4 on the Richter scale, it felt much stronger than usual. The reason? Its epicenter was right in the heart of Delhi. Unlike quakes that originate farther away in the Himalayas or other northern regions, this one struck close to home, near Jheel Park in the Dhaula Kuan area. Because it hit at a shallow depth of just 5 kilometers, the shaking was much more intense than if it had occurred deeper underground.
Experts explain that areas closer to an earthquake’s epicenter always feel stronger tremors because that’s where the seismic energy is most concentrated. As the waves travel outward, they lose strength, which is why distant areas experience milder shaking. Delhi’s geological makeup, including several fault lines running beneath the city, also plays a role in how these tremors are felt.
Read Also: Delhi Election 2025: 46.55% Voter Turnout Till 3 PM, AAP and BJP Allege Fake Voting
Videos of the earthquake quickly flooded social media, showing startled residents rushing out of buildings and sharing their experiences online. Many said it was one of the strongest tremors they had felt in the city in recent times.
Delhi is no stranger to earthquakes. It sits in a high-risk seismic zone due to its proximity to the Himalayas, one of the most earthquake-prone regions in the world. The city is also crisscrossed by several fault lines, including the Delhi-Haridwar ridge, Mahendragarh-Dehradun fault, and the Sohna fault, all of which increase the chances of tremors.
As panic spread, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stepped in to reassure people, urging them to stay calm and follow safety precautions. “Tremors were felt in Delhi and nearby areas. Urging everyone to remain calm and follow safety measures. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely,” he posted on X.
While no major damage or injuries were reported, the sudden shake-up served as a reminder of Delhi’s vulnerability to earthquakes and the importance of being prepared for unexpected tremors.
