Early Monday morning, residents across Delhi-NCR and Bihar were jolted awake by strong earthquake tremors, prompting many to rush out of their homes in fear. The first earthquake, measuring 4.0 in magnitude, struck Delhi at 5:36 a.m., with its epicenter located near Durgabai Deshmukh College of Special Education in Dhaula Kuan. Just a few hours later, at 8:02 a.m., another earthquake of the same magnitude hit Bihar’s Siwan district, intensifying concerns over seismic activity in the region.
While no major damage or injuries were reported, the tremors caused significant panic, especially among those living in high-rise buildings. In Delhi, Noida, Greater Noida, and Ghaziabad, residents described feeling their buildings sway, with some reporting hearing a loud noise accompanying the tremor. “At 5:35 a.m., the whole building was shaking. Our entire family ran outside,” said Amit, a resident of Noida. Another eyewitness at New Delhi railway station recalled, “Everything was shaking, customers started screaming.”
Authorities acted swiftly to reassure the public, urging people to remain calm and follow safety guidelines. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the situation in a social media post, emphasizing the importance of staying alert for possible aftershocks. “Tremors were felt in Delhi and nearby areas. Urging everyone to stay calm and follow safety precautions,” he wrote. The Delhi Police also issued an advisory, reminding citizens to use emergency helplines if needed.
The seismic activity comes just weeks after Delhi-NCR experienced tremors from a 7.2-magnitude earthquake in China’s Xinjiang region on January 23. Being located in Seismic Zone IV, Delhi remains vulnerable to both Himalayan and local fault-line earthquakes, making preparedness crucial for residents. Experts have long cautioned that while most tremors in the region are mild, the potential for a major earthquake cannot be ignored.
As North India grapples with these unexpected tremors, safety remains the priority. While Monday’s earthquakes caused no casualties, the unsettling experience serves as a reminder of the region’s seismic risks. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, urging people to stay informed and prepared for any future seismic activity.
