Residents of Delhi-NCR experienced a sudden jolt on Thursday as a 4.4 magnitude earthquake shook the region in the afternoon. Tremors were reported from major cities including Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, and Faridabad, causing momentary panic and prompting people to rush out of buildings.
Epicentre in Haryana’s Jhajjar: Shaking Felt Across NCR
According to the National Center for Seismology (NCS), the earthquake originated in Jhajjar, Haryana, at a depth of 10 kilometers. The tremor was strong enough to shake buildings across the capital region, but no injuries or structural damage were reported.
People in several parts of the NCR described the shaking as brief but intense. In Gurugram, a man said, “For a few seconds, it felt like the ground was shaking rapidly. Everyone ran outside in fear.” A similar account came from Ghaziabad, where another resident stated, “I had just woken up when the tremor hit. It was scary. Delhi feels these quakes too often—we need to be alert about safety measures.”
Frequent Earthquakes Raise Safety Concerns
This is not the first time in 2025 that Delhi-NCR has experienced seismic activity. Earlier this year, on February 17, a 4.0 magnitude earthquake struck the region at around 5:36 am. Its epicentre was located just 9 km east of New Delhi. That event also caused panic, with many residents rushing out of their homes early in the morning.
The recurring tremors have sparked concern among citizens and experts alike about the capital’s preparedness to handle a stronger quake. The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) classifies the region under Seismic Zone IV, which is a “High Damage Risk Zone” — indicating a real potential for moderate to severe earthquakes.
Is Delhi-NCR Ready for the Big One?
While no damage has been reported so far, the frequency of these tremors brings the spotlight back to emergency preparedness in one of India’s most densely populated urban areas. Experts suggest regular drills, stronger building codes, and widespread awareness campaigns to ensure public safety during such natural events.
Takeaways and Safety Tips for Residents
Delhi-NCR residents are advised to remain cautious and informed. Keep an emergency kit ready, identify safe spots within your home like doorways and sturdy furniture, and follow updates from the National Center for Seismology.
Authorities have not reported any disruption to transport or utilities, and life resumed normalcy shortly after the tremors subsided.
As earthquakes continue to remind us of nature’s unpredictability, staying prepared is the best defense.
