New Delhi: Residents of Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) woke up to strong tremors as the national capital was hit by a 4.0 magnitude on the Richter scale earthquake early on Monday. According to reports, the epicentre was near Durgabai Deshmukh College of Special Education in south Delhi’s Dhaula Kuan. Caretakers of the lake at Dhaula Kuan claimed that a 25-year-old tree was uprooted due to the tremors, reported ANI.
But the question is why did a 4.0 magnitude—of moderate intensity— earthquake was felt so strongly in the national capital. According to experts, the tremors were felt strongly because the epicentre was in the city itself.
#WATCH | Delhi: Caretakers of Jheel Park in Dhaula Kuan claim that the 4.0-magnitude earthquake this morning uprooted a 20-25-year-old tree at the park. The epicentre of the earthquake was in Dhaula Kuan. pic.twitter.com/f9JH4nQC7I
— ANI (@ANI) February 17, 2025
The earthquake struck at a depth of five kilometres at 5.36 am, the National Centre for Seismology posted on X. Tremors were also felt in Bihar at around 8 am. The tremors in the national capital were felt most intensely by people living in high-rise buildings in Delhi, Noida, Greater Noida, and Ghaziabad. This triggered panic and many rushed out of their homes in alarm.
Tragic #earthquake of 4.0 Magnitude shakes #Delhi NCR.
Epic Centre was in Delhi itself.#delhiearthquake #viralvideo pic.twitter.com/3g41x4pMg7— देशहित सर्वोपरि (@Mindblower81) February 17, 2025
According to the officials, there have been no immediate reports of injuries or damage. However, the intensity of the tremors left many wondering why they felt so strong, despite the earthquake being only of moderate magnitude (4.0 on the Richter scale).
“Delhi has been experiencing minor earthquakes. This earthquake occurred in Dhaula Kuan. In 2006, an earthquake of 4.6 magnitude had occurred there. There is nothing to worry about. It is a seismic zone there. After the 4.0 magnitude quake, the aftershock will be less by 1.2 magnitude. It is natural as it will heal it,” Dr OP Mishra, Director, National Centre for Seismology (NCS), told ANI.
Politicians pray for safety…on social media
“Tremors were felt in Delhi and nearby areas. Urging everyone to stay calm and follow safety precautions, staying alert for possible aftershocks. Authorities are keeping a close watch on the situation,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X.
Tremors were felt in Delhi and nearby areas. Urging everyone to stay calm and follow safety precautions, staying alert for possible aftershocks. Authorities are keeping a close watch on the situation.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 17, 2025
Several other politicians also mentioned about the quake on social media platforms, including outgoing Delhi Chief Minister, Atishi. “A strong earthquake just hit Delhi. I pray to God that everyone is safe,” she wrote on X.
Resharing Atishi’s post, AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal wrote, “I pray for the safety of everyone.”
