Early Morning Earthquake Shakes Delhi-NCR: Citizens Describe Experience

Overview of the Early Morning Earthquake

The 4.0-magnitude earthquake hit Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) at 5:36 AM IST on February 17, 2025, leaving citizens in shock and prompting many to flee their homes. The earthquake took place at a shallow depth of 5 kilometers off Durgabai Deshmukh College of Special Education in the Dhaula Kuan area of Delhi, said the National Center for Seismology (NCS).

The sudden jolts saw immediate response from all over the region. Citizens residing in tall buildings in Delhi, Noida, Greater Noida, and Ghaziabad also felt intense vibrations, and many fled outdoors. Sita Ram Bazar resident Anil Kumar said, "I experienced a very strong vibration and was frightened. My wife and I immediately got up our child and fled." Amit of Noida added, "At 5:35 AM, the entire building used to shake. The entire family rushed out of the house. I have never experienced such strong shudders of an earthquake."

The Delhi Police also issued an advisory at a quick pace, asking people to remain calm and also providing emergency helpline numbers. They posted, "We hope you all are safe, Delhi! In case of any emergency assistance, #Dial112."

Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a statement on the matter, asking citizens to remain calm and take safety measures. He stressed taking measures to prepare for the likelihood of aftershocks and assured citizens that the authorities are monitoring the situation closely.

Experts opined the intensity of the earthquake was moderate but the shallow depth of the earthquake helped in producing the extreme shaking experienced by residents. NCS Director Dr. O.P. Mishra explained the shakes are produced due to "in-situ material heterogeneity" in the region, not due to plate tectonic movement.

Delhi, previously, has experienced low-grade seismic activity every two or three years. The same region had been affected by a 3.3-magnitude earthquake in 2015. Since Delhi is situated in Seismic Zone IV, which is high earthquake-prone, Monday's earthquake is a reminder of Delhi's vulnerability to seismic activity.

After the earthquake, Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has directed people:

• During Tremors: Lie down on the floor, take cover under sturdy furniture, and hold on until the floor ceases shaking.

• After Tremors: Check your house for structural damage, gas leaks, or electrical appliances. Keep yourself updated through genuine sources and avoid rumor-mongering.

For full coverage and news of this incident, watch News Drishti. Our news team ensures to update and provide proper information so you are aware of what is happening. Look for more detailed reports and analysis of this recent earthquake and how it is going to impact Delhi-NCR residents on News Drishti.

As developments unfold, News Drishti will continue updating and informing about any significant aftershocks or other developments related to the quake. We advise our readers to take precautions and follow guidelines issued by authorities. Keep yourself updated with News Drishti for news and expert analysis of this and other incidents happening in our community.