National Center for Seismology said the earthquake struck at a focal depth of five kilometres in Delhi-NCR on February 17, 2025
| Photo Credit: Special arrangement

Strong tremors were felt in the national capital and adjoining regions as an earthquake of 4.0 magnitude struck the region early on Monday (February 17, 2025). The National Center for Seismology said the earthquake struck at a focal depth of five kilometres at 5:36 am.

After Delhi, NCR, tremor felt in Bihar also at 4.0 magnitude. The National Center for Seismology said the earthquake struck at a depth of 10 kilometres at 8:02 am.

Shallow earthquakes, originating five or 10 kilometres below the surface, tend to cause more damage than those originating deep below the surface.

Shallow earthquakes are between 0 to 70 km deep; intermediate earthquakes, 70 to 300 km deep; and deep earthquakes, 300 to 700 km deep.

An instance of the devastating effect of a shallow earthquake would be the 5.6 magnitude earthquake in Indonesia in Novermber 2022 that left more than 160 dead and hundreds injured as buildings crumbled and terrified residents ran for their lives on the main island of Java.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, “There is not one magnitude above which damage will occur. It depends on other variables, such as the distance from the earthquake, what type of soil you are on, building construction” and other factors.

Why an earthquake’s depth matters

A quake’s destructive force depends not only on its strength, but also on location, distance from the epicentre and depth.

Quakes can strike near the surface or deep within the Earth. Most quakes occur at shallow depths, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Shallow quakes generally tend to be more damaging than deeper quakes. Seismic waves from deep quakes have to travel farther to the surface, losing energy along the way.

Shaking is more intense from quakes that hit close to the surface like setting off “a bomb directly under a city,” said Susan Hough, a USGS seismologist.

New Delhi:

Residents of Delhi-NCR felt a strong earthquake this morning. According to the National Center for Seismology, a 4.0-magnitude earthquake struck the national capital around 5:36 am.

In a post on X, the Delhi Police said, “We hope you all are safe, Delhi!” It also urged citizens to call on the emergency 112 helpline for emergencies.  Follow Delhi Earthquake Live Updates here

What To Do Before An Earthquake

One must always have a disaster emergency kit ready. Which includes:

• Battery operated torch with extra batteries
• Battery operated radio
• First aid kit and manual
• Emergency food (dry items) and water (packed and sealed)
• Candles and matches in a waterproof container
• Knife
• Chlorine tablets or powdered water purifiers
• Can opener.
• Essential medicines
• Cash and credit cards
• Thick ropes and cords
• Sturdy shoes

What To Do During An Earthquake

Stay as safe as possible during an earthquake. Be aware that some earthquakes are actually foreshocks and a larger earthquake might occur. Minimise your movements to a few steps that reach a nearby safe place and stay indoors until the shaking has stopped and you are sure exiting is safe.

If Indoors

Drop to the ground; take a cover by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture; and hold on until the shaking stops. If there is no table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.

Protect yourself by staying under the lintel of an inner door, in the corner of a room, under a table or even under a bed.

Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, (such as lighting fixtures or furniture).

Stay in bed if you are there when the earthquake strikes. Hold on and protect your head with a pillow, unless you are under a heavy light fixture that could fall. In that case, move to the nearest safe place.
Use a doorway for shelter only if it is in close proximity to you and if you know it is a strongly supported, load bearing doorway.

Stay inside until the shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Research has shown that most injuries occur when people inside buildings attempt to move to a different location inside the building or try to leave.

Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn on.

If Outdoors

Do not move from where you are. However, move away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and utility wires.

If you are in open space, stay there until the shaking stops. The greatest danger exists directly outside buildings; at exits; and alongside exterior walls. Most earthquake-related casualties result from collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects.

If In A Moving Vehicle

Stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires.

Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped. Avoid roads, bridges, or ramps that might have been damaged by the earthquake.

If Trapped Under Debris

Do not light a match.

Do not move about or kick up dust.

Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing.

Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. Use a whistle if one is available. Shout only as a last resort. Shouting can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.

Delhi is prone to earthquakes as it is located in a high seismic zone (zone IV) of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) seismic zonation map.

New Delhi:

An earthquake measuring 4.0 on the richter scale hit Delhi-NCR this morning with many residents rushing out of their houses. According to National Centre for Seismology, tremors were felt across north India, with Delhi as the epicentre. The depth of the quake was just 5 km.

So far there are no reports of injuries or casualties.

In a post on X, The Delhi Police said, “We hope you all are safe, Delhi!” It also urged citizens to call on the emergency 112 helpline for emergencies.

The strong tremors triggered by the earthquake prompted residents of several high-rise buildings in Delhi, Noida, Greater Noida and Ghaziabad to rush out.

A passenger awaiting his train at New Delhi railway station said he felt like as if a train has crashed or a bridge collapsed. “I was in the waiting lounge. All rushed out from there. It felt as if any bridge or something had collapsed…”, he said while speaking to the news agency ANI. Follow Delhi Earthquake Live Updates here

A resident of Ghaziabad said he has never felt anything like this before. “Tremors were so strong. Felt like a train was moving nearby. Everything was shaking. I have never felt like this ever before. The entire building was shaking…”, he said.

Naresh Kumar, a resident of West Delhi, said this was the first time that he had experienced such a strong tremor.

Another passenger waiting for his train at New Delhi railway station says, “It was for a lesser time, but the intensity was so high. It felt like any train has come with a very high speed.”

At New Delhi railway station, a vendor Anish said his payment counter started shaking, everybody around was screaming. “It was strong, the payment counter also started shaking. Everything was shaking, customers started screaming.”

Delhi is prone to earthquakes and is located in a high seismic zone (zone IV) of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) seismic zonation map.