On the morning of July 10, 2025, at exactly 9:04 AM IST, a sudden jolt shook the bustling National Capital Region (NCR) of Delhi, sending residents into a momentary panic. The National Centre for Seismology (NCS) reported a 4.4 magnitude earthquake with its epicenter in Jhajjar, Haryana, at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers. The tremors, lasting about 10 seconds, were felt not only in Delhi and its neighboring cities like Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, and Faridabad but also rippled across parts of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan, reminding millions of the region’s vulnerability to seismic activity.
A Morning of Shock and Panic
It was a typical Thursday morning in Delhi-NCR, with people heading to offices, sipping tea at roadside stalls, or dropping children off at school. The sudden shaking of the ground caught many off guard. In Gurugram, a resident recounted, “We were having tea when the chairs started vibrating. It felt like someone was shaking the building. We rushed outside immediately!” Similarly, in Ghaziabad, a shopkeeper described the moment: “It felt like someone was pushing the entire shop. I was scared; it was so sudden.” In Delhi, visuals of swaying fans and rattling windows flooded social media, with some residents calling it the “longest tremors” they had ever experienced.
The earthquake struck at a time when heavy rainfall had already caused waterlogging in parts of Delhi, adding to the chaos. As buildings shook, people poured out of homes, offices, and even metro trains, which briefly halted as a precautionary measure. Thankfully, no immediate reports of injuries or major property damage surfaced, but the incident left a lasting impression on the region’s residents.
Why Did the Earthquake Feel So Strong?
The earthquake’s epicenter was located in Jhajjar, Haryana, about 50 kilometers from central Delhi, at coordinates 28.63°N and 76.68°E. Its shallow depth of 10 kilometers meant the tremors were felt more intensely across a wider area. According to seismologists, shallow earthquakes tend to cause stronger shaking closer to the surface, which explains why the tremors reached as far as Meerut, Shamli, Gorakhpur, Agra, and even Alwar and Jaipur in Rajasthan.
Delhi-NCR lies in Seismic Zone IV, a high-risk zone prone to moderate to severe earthquakes. The region’s proximity to the Himalayan fault lines, one of the most seismically active zones in the world, makes it vulnerable to frequent tremors. Experts point out that the Delhi-NCR region has experienced several earthquakes of similar magnitude in recent years, including a 4.0 magnitude quake in February 2025 with an epicenter in south Delhi’s Dhaula Kuan and another in 2022 in Haryana.
Residents React, Social Media Buzzes
The earthquake sparked a flurry of reactions across social media platforms, with #DelhiEarthquake and #Jhajjar trending within minutes. Residents shared videos of shaking household items, swinging fans, and even a cupboard door that flung open during the tremors. Memes also flooded timelines, with some humorously noting how the earthquake gave them an “excuse to skip work” or joking about Delhi’s “shaky” mornings. However, many expressed genuine concern about the frequency of quakes in the region, with one user posting, “Another earthquake in Delhi? We need to be better prepared!”
Local authorities, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), issued advisories urging people to avoid damaged buildings, use stairs instead of elevators, and stay calm during such events. The Delhi Metro, following standard operating procedures, paused operations for 2–3 minutes to ensure passenger safety.
What Makes Delhi-NCR So Vulnerable?
Delhi’s location in Seismic Zone IV puts it at significant risk. The region’s dense population, towering buildings, and uneven construction standards amplify the potential dangers of even moderate earthquakes. Experts warn that many older structures in Delhi may not be earthquake-resistant, and the region’s rapid urbanization has led to construction on soft soil, which can intensify shaking. The shallow depth of this quake, combined with the region’s geological setting, underscores the need for stricter building codes and public awareness about earthquake preparedness.
Seismologists also note that the Indian subcontinent is constantly under stress due to the collision of the Indian tectonic plate with the Eurasian plate, which drives seismic activity in northern India. While the 4.4 magnitude quake was classified as “moderate,” it serves as a reminder of the potential for stronger quakes in the future.
Safety Measures and Preparedness
In the wake of the earthquake, experts and authorities emphasized the importance of preparedness. Here are some key safety tips for residents:
- Drop, Cover, and Hold On: During an earthquake, drop to the ground, take cover under a sturdy table or desk, and hold on until the shaking stops.
- Stay Away from Windows and Heavy Objects: Avoid areas where glass or heavy items could fall.
- Evacuate Safely: Use stairs, not elevators, to exit buildings, and move to open spaces away from buildings, trees, or power lines.
- Prepare an Emergency Kit: Keep essentials like water, food, a flashlight, and a first-aid kit ready at home.
- Check Building Safety: Ensure your home or office complies with earthquake-resistant standards.
The NCS and other agencies continue to monitor seismic activity closely, urging residents to download apps like BhooKamp for real-time earthquake alerts.
A Wake-Up Call for Delhi-NCR
The July 10 earthquake, while causing no major harm, has reignited discussions about Delhi-NCR’s readiness for seismic events. With the region experiencing quakes of similar intensity in recent years, experts are calling for stronger infrastructure, regular safety drills, and public education campaigns. As one resident aptly put it, “We can’t predict earthquakes, but we can prepare for them.”
For now, Delhi-NCR breathes a sigh of relief, but the tremors are a stark reminder of nature’s unpredictability. As the region recovers from the morning’s scare, the focus must shift to building a more resilient future, ensuring that the next quake doesn’t catch us unprepared.
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Last Updated on: Thursday, July 10, 2025 10:40 am by Naga Surya Teja Ganpisetty | Published by: Naga Surya Teja Ganpisetty on Thursday, July 10, 2025 10:40 am | News Categories: News
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