A 3.7 magnitude earthquake struck Jhajjar, Haryana, sending tremors across Delhi-NCR.
I. The Quake That Stirred the Capital
On the evening of July 11, 2025, Delhi-NCR was jolted by tremors from a 3.7 magnitude earthquake cantered in Jhajjar, Haryana, at a depth of 10 km, according to the National Centre for Seismology. The quake struck at 7:49 PM IST, marking the second seismic event in the region within 48 hours, following a 4.4 magnitude quake on July 10.
Table of Contents
Residents across Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, and Noida reported feeling the tremors. Office workers evacuated buildings, and social media buzzed with real-time reactions. Fortunately, no casualties or structural damage were reported, but the psychological impact was palpable.
Delhi lies in Seismic Zone IV, indicating a high risk of earthquakes. The city’s proximity to active fault lines like the Delhi-Haridwar Ridge and Sohna Fault makes it vulnerable to tectonic shifts. Experts warn that even moderate quakes can be dangerous due to dense urban infrastructure and aging buildings.
II. Public Response: Panic, Precaution, and Perspective
The tremors triggered a wave of concern. Many residents rushed outdoors, fearing aftershocks. In Gurugram, eyewitnesses described swaying furniture and shaking vehicles. Office buildings in Noida and Faridabad saw temporary evacuations as precautionary measures.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) issued advisories urging calm and recommending safety protocols:
- Stay indoors if safe, away from windows and heavy furniture
- Use stairs, not elevators, during evacuation
- Drivers should pull over into open spaces
Despite the scare, Delhi’s emergency systems responded swiftly. No power outages or transport disruptions were reported. However, the incident reignited debates on urban preparedness, especially in high-rise zones.
Delhi has experienced over 400 tremors between 1993 and 2025 within a 50 sq km radius of Dhaula Kuan, ranging from magnitude 1.1 to 4.6. Yet, public awareness and infrastructure resilience remain inconsistent.
III. Seismic Safety: What Delhi Must Do Next
This quake serves as a wake-up call. Experts emphasize the need for:
- Retrofitting old buildings to withstand seismic shocks
- Strict enforcement of building codes in new constructions
- Public education campaigns on earthquake safety
- Real-time alert systems integrated with mobile networks
The Delhi Disaster Management Authority has outlined plans for community drills and school-based awareness programs. However, implementation has been slow. Urban planners advocate for seismic zoning maps to guide future development.
Climate change may also play a role. While earthquakes are tectonic, changing groundwater levels and urban heat islands can influence fault line behaviour. A multi-disciplinary approach, combining geology, urban planning, and public policy is essential.
Stay updated with the latest news on Rapido Updates. Keep yourself updated with The World, India News, Entertainment, Market, Automobile, Gadgets, Sports, and many more