Delhi experienced a 4.0-magnitude earthquake early February 17 morning, jolting residents out of their sleep with intense tremors and an eerie rumbling sound. Though the magnitude was considered low, the quake’s impact felt unusually strong, raising concerns about Delhi’s seismic vulnerability.
At 5:36 AM, the earthquake struck at a shallow depth of just five kilometers near Durgabai Deshmukh College of Special Education in Dhaula Kuan, a region that has seen periodic seismic activity. The National Centre for Seismology (NCS) confirmed that this proximity to densely populated areas amplified the tremors, making them feel much stronger than their actual magnitude.
EQ of M: 4.0, On: 17/02/2025 05:36:55 IST, Lat: 28.59 N, Long: 77.16 E, Depth: 5 Km, Location: New Delhi, Delhi.
For more information Download the BhooKamp App https://t.co/5gCOtjdtw0 @DrJitendraSingh @OfficeOfDrJS @Ravi_MoES @Dr_Mishra1966 @ndmaindia pic.twitter.com/yG6inf3UnK— National Center for Seismology (@NCS_Earthquake) February 17, 2025
Srijan Pal Singh, former advisor to the late President APJ Abdul Kalam and founder of the Kalam Centre, provided insights into the phenomenon. He noted that the tremors were unusually strong because the epicenter was located within Delhi itself.
“This is how quakes feel at the epicenter,” Singh explained, adding that while the magnitude may seem low, its impact is significantly amplified when it occurs directly beneath a city. This also explains why many residents reported a loud rumbling noise just before the tremors began.
The Delhi earthquake you just witnessed was around 4.0 on the Richter scale. That is not very high (quakes can go up to 6.0 and more) but you felt bigger tremors than ever before. Why ?
Because the epicenter is within Delhi itself. This is how quakes feel at the epicenter.See… pic.twitter.com/FG9iR71LnF
— Srijan Pal Singh (@srijanpalsingh) February 17, 2025
Delhi earthquake's epicenter was almost Delhi itself. I don't remember ever seeing the epicenter of an earthquake being so close to Delhi itself. Scary and the closest warning sign to revamp the city for being earthquake resistant. As of now, Delhi is barely earthquake ready.… pic.twitter.com/EyM0GqVRmc
— Srijan Pal Singh (@srijanpalsingh) February 17, 2025
The Dhaula Kuan region, where the epicenter was located, has a history of minor earthquakes. The area has experienced low-magnitude tremors every two to three years, including a 3.3-magnitude quake in 2015 and a 4.6-magnitude event in 2006. Experts warn that these frequent tremors indicate ongoing tectonic activity in the region.
Dr. OP Mishra, Director of the National Centre for Seismology, reassured residents, stating that while Delhi is in Seismic Zone IV—indicating moderate to strong earthquake potential—the capital has been relatively safe from major earthquakes in recent years. He further explained that aftershocks following a 4.0-magnitude quake typically register around 2.8-2.9, meaning they are unlikely to cause significant impact.
“Delhi has been experiencing minor earthquakes. This earthquake occurred in Dhaula Kuan. In 2007, an earthquake of 4.7 magnitude had occurred there. There is nothing to worry about. It is a seismic zone there,” Mishra said.
Elaborating on the cause of the earthquake, the NCS Director said, “The earthquake occurred due to in-situ material heterogeneity… After 4.0 magnitude, the aftershock will be less by 1.2 magnitudes; it is natural as it will heal it.” Shortly after Delhi’s earthquake, two more tremors were recorded in Bihar’s Siwan and Odisha’s Puri. Bihar experienced a 4.0-magnitude quake at a depth of 10 kilometers, while Odisha recorded a 4.7-magnitude tremor at 8:15 AM.
#WATCH | Delhi: On 4.0-magnitude earthquake jolted the national capital and surrounding areas, Dr OP Mishra, Director, National Centre for Seismology (NCS) says, "Delhi has been experiencing minor earthquakes. This earthquake occurred in Dhaula Kuan. In 2007, an earthquake of 4.7… pic.twitter.com/3pPgKzqWVg
— ANI (@ANI) February 17, 2025
Mishra, however, clarified that the earthquakes in Delhi and Bihar are unrelated, as such occurrences “depend on the rock shearing strength, which is different for both these states.”
“People need to take precautions, as earthquakes do not kill people. It is the structures that kill people… Delhi has always been safe during such instances of shallow earthquakes; the structures that are built these days are very obstructive and attenuate the seismic waves,” he added.
Delhi’s growing Earthquake Risk
Delhi’s frequent tremors raise concerns about its preparedness for a major earthquake. The city is surrounded by three active seismic fault lines: the Sohna Fault, the Mathura Fault, and the Delhi-Moradabad Fault. Its proximity to the Himalayas, where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates continue to collide, also makes it highly vulnerable to seismic activity.
Adding to the risk is the city’s infrastructure. Many high-rise buildings in Delhi-NCR do not adhere to Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) earthquake-resistant norms, increasing the potential for structural damage in the event of a stronger quake. The Ministry of Earth Sciences has warned that areas along the Yamuna floodplain, including East Delhi, would be among the worst-hit in a major earthquake.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to remain calm and vigilant against aftershocks, emphasising that authorities are closely monitoring the situation.
Tremors were felt in Delhi and nearby areas. Urging everyone to stay calm and follow safety precautions, staying alert for possible aftershocks. Authorities are keeping a close watch on the situation.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 17, 2025
Delhi Police reassured citizens, stating, “We hope you all are safe, Delhi! For any emergency help, dial 112.”
Meanwhile, social media was flooded with reactions from shocked residents. “Never felt a quake like this in Delhi before. Even the first floor was shaking,” one user wrote on X. Another added, “This was 4.0? It felt much stronger! Is it because I’m on a higher floor?”
Many residents reported hearing a deep, unsettling sound before and during the tremors. Scientists explain that this occurs due to shallow earthquakes generating short-period seismic waves, which can travel through the air and become audible. The closer the earthquake is to the surface, the more energy reaches the surface, creating a distinct rumbling or growling noise.
Despite its growing skyline, Delhi’s high-rise buildings remain inadequately prepared for a significant quake. Experts point out that many structures, especially in unauthorised colonies, do not conform to Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) seismic safety norms. If a powerful earthquake strikes, the city’s infrastructure could suffer catastrophic damage, leading to massive casualties.
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