Earthquake of Magnitude 4.4 Jolts Delhi-NCR; Tremors Felt Across Northern India, No Damage Reported
New Delhi, July 11 — Panic gripped the Delhi-NCR region on Thursday morning after a magnitude 4.4 earthquake struck near Jhajjar in Haryana at 9:04 a.m., triggering strong tremors that were felt across Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Faridabad, and several parts of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.
According to the National Center for Seismology (NCS), the earthquake occurred at a depth of 10 km, with its epicentre located approximately 60 km west of New Delhi, near Jhajjar.
People Rush Out of Buildings Amid Panic
The tremors caused alarm among residents, many of whom rushed out of their homes and office buildings. In residential societies across Delhi, Gurugram, and Noida, people gathered in open areas as a precaution.
Although no injuries or structural damages were reported, the intensity of the quake was significant enough to cause mild disruptions. Residents took to social media to share their experiences, with some describing how cupboards and furniture rattled, and others reporting that vehicles shook noticeably.
“We felt the tremors...It was really scary, my vehicle shook. It was really strong,” one eyewitness told ANI.
“The tremors felt quite strong. I was at a shop when it hit; it felt as if someone was shaking the shop,” said another resident from Ghaziabad.
Similar Earthquake Felt Earlier This Year
This is not the first time in recent months that the region has experienced a significant tremor. On February 17, a 4.0 magnitude earthquake was recorded with its epicentre in south Delhi’s Dhaula Kuan. That incident also caused widespread panic but resulted in no reported damage.
Between 1993 and 2025, the National Center for Seismology has recorded 446 earthquakes within a 50 sq km radius of Dhaula Kuan alone. These incidents ranged from magnitude 1.1 to 4.6, indicating the high seismic sensitivity of the region.
Why Is Delhi Prone to Frequent Earthquakes?
Experts warn that seismic activity in Delhi-NCR is not surprising, given the region's classification under Zone IV (severe) by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). India is divided into four seismic zones:
- Zone II: Low intensity
- Zone III: Moderate intensity
- Zone IV: Severe
- Zone V: Very severe
Delhi falls under Zone IV, while parts of the Himalayan belt, just a few hundred kilometers north, lie in Zone V — the most seismically active zone.
The seismic vulnerability of Delhi is further amplified by three active fault lines that run through or near the city:
- Sohna Fault Line
- Mathura Fault Line
- Delhi–Moradabad Fault Line
In contrast, Haryana, Delhi’s neighboring state, is intersected by seven known fault lines, increasing the risk of seismic disruptions across the region.
“Delhi’s geographical positioning—sandwiched between active fault lines and close proximity to the seismically sensitive Himalayan region—makes it prone to frequent tremors and aftershocks,” said a senior seismologist at NCS.
Earthquake Preparedness Still a Concern
Despite being in a high-risk seismic zone, earthquake preparedness in the Delhi-NCR region remains a challenge. Many older buildings are not compliant with modern seismic safety codes, and public awareness regarding earthquake safety is still relatively low.
While authorities have been encouraging retrofitting of infrastructure and updating building codes, progress has been slow. Emergency drills and public messaging about what to do during an earthquake have also seen inconsistent implementation across states.
Seismologists Urge Vigilance, Not Panic
Although Thursday’s earthquake was moderate in magnitude, experts caution that continued seismic monitoring is essential. The shallow depth of just 10 km made the tremors more noticeable, despite the quake’s moderate strength.
“An earthquake of this magnitude is not unusual for the Delhi region. Residents should not panic but must remain informed and prepared for potential aftershocks or future quakes,” said an NCS official.
TheT rending People Final Thoughts
The tremors in Delhi-NCR are a stark reminder of the region’s seismic vulnerability. While the absence of casualties is a relief, it highlights the need for urgent public awareness campaigns, improved disaster response infrastructure, and strict enforcement of seismic-resistant construction norms. As urban expansion continues, preparedness—not panic—must be the priority for both authorities and citizens. India’s capital must not wait for a major tragedy to take decisive action on earthquake resilience.