On Monday morning, Delhi felt the shaking of a 4.0 magnitude earthquake at 5:36 AM. The tremors were strongest around Jheel Park, in Dhaula Kuan, about 10 kilometers from the Red Fort. The earthquake was shallow, with its epicenter just 5 kilometers deep, making the vibrations more pronounced.
The National Centre for Seismology (NCS) informs us that this quake was caused by “normal faulting.” This means the ground moved due to weak underground spots, often affected by water or river sediment. OP Mishra, the head of NCS, clarified that this wasn’t due to tectonic plate movement, which typically causes stronger earthquakes.
Interestingly, since 1993, the area near the epicenter has seen 446 earthquakes, varying from minor ones of magnitude 1.1 to moderate ones like the 4.6 quake in 2007. Mishra pointed out that major faults, such as the Sohna or Mathura Faults, did not contribute to this particular earthquake.
The earthquake’s shallow depth amplified the shaking, especially in areas with soft soil, like Lodhi Road, where people reported hearing noises as the seismic waves traveled. This zone has structural variations that can build up stress and lead to quakes over time.
Delhi is classified as being in seismic zone IV, which is one of the most earthquake-prone regions in India. The city faces risks from both distant Himalayan earthquakes and local ones. For example, seismic events in the Himalayas, like the devastating 7.5 magnitude quake in Garhwal in 1803 or the 6.8 magnitude Uttarkashi quake in 1991, can be felt in the capital.
Historically, Delhi has experienced several significant earthquakes, including a 6.5 magnitude tremor in 1720 and a 5.8 magnitude quake in Moradabad in 1966. The topic of earthquakes in Delhi has gained attention online as residents reflect on these natural events.
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