A mild earthquake of magnitude 4 struck the national capital at 5:36 a.m. on Monday, causing tremors across Delhi and its neighbouring regions, including Noida and Ghaziabad, the National Center for Seismology (NCS) confirmed.
The earthquake originated at a shallow depth of 5 km beneath Delhi, with residents reporting "strong" and "violent" tremors despite the moderate magnitude.
Social media platforms were flooded with accounts from affected citizens sharing their experiences.
Delhi served as the epicentre of the tremor, which reverberated through the National Capital Region (NCR), encompassing Noida, Ghaziabad, and adjoining areas.
The city is no stranger to seismic activity. In January, tremors from a 7.1-magnitude earthquake in Nepal's Kathmandu Valley were felt across Delhi-NCR.
According to the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), the capital's vulnerability to earthquakes stems from its location near significant geological structures.
Also read: Shallow earthquake jolts NCR; PM Modi says stay alert for aftershocks
The "Delhi-Haridwar Ridge" is considered a major seismic fault line contributing to the region's frequent tremors.
India is divided into four seismic zones based on earthquake risk, with Zone IV indicating "fairly high seismicity."
Delhi falls within this category, making it susceptible to earthquakes ranging from magnitude 5 to 6, with larger quakes up to magnitude 8 being "occasional" occurrences.
The DDMA notes that since 1720, only five earthquakes of magnitude 5.5 to 6.7 have been recorded within Delhi and its adjoining areas.
However, the presence of the Delhi-Haridwar Ridge and the Delhi-Moradabad fault poses a persistent risk.
"Both have the potential of generating earthquakes of magnitude up to MSK VIII will be quite probable in the Delhi territory," states the DDMA.
Additional geological vulnerabilities include several other faults and lineaments criss-crossing the region.
Among them are the Mahendragarh-Dehradun subsurface fault, the Moradabad fault, the Sohna fault, the Great Boundary fault, and the Delhi-Sargodha ridge.
The Yamuna and Ganga River lineaments also increase the seismic threat.
Delhi's proximity to the Himalayas further exacerbates its susceptibility. The Himalayas remain one of the most seismically active regions in the world, increasing the likelihood of tremors reaching the capital.
Seismic zoning is based on "subjective estimates of intensity from available information on earthquake occurrence, geology, and tectonics," according to the National Center for Seismology. This classification is continually revised as new data emerges.
External experts warn that the dense urban infrastructure and high population density amplify the risks associated with even moderate quakes.
Seismologists emphasise the need for improved building codes and enhanced public awareness to mitigate potential disasters in the future.
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