Ad 1
Ad 2
what Caused the Intense Tremors in Delhi-NCR? A Closer Look at the Earthquake
Praveen Agrawal & Shivansh Singh | Feb 28, 2025, 15:31 IST
Magnitude 5.8 earthquake hits Alaska, US
( Image credit : ANI )
A 4.0 magnitude earthquake hit Delhi-NCR at 5:36 AM, with the epicenter in Dhaula Kuan. Tremors were strongly felt in high-rise buildings. Authorities reported no major damage or casualties. The shallow depth of the earthquake amplified its impact. Delhi is in Seismic Zone IV and situated near active fault lines, making it vulnerable to similar events.
A 4.0 magnitude earthquake, later assessed as a 6.0, struck Delhi-NCR at 5:36 AM IST on Monday, jolting residents awake. The epicenter, initially reported near Dhaula Kuan, caused significant tremors, particularly in high-rise buildings, due to its shallow depth and proximity to populated areas. While no major damage or casualties were reported, the event raised concerns about Delhi's seismic vulnerability. Conflicting reports about the magnitude emerged from the National Centre for Seismology (NCS).
![Seismic Amplification in Delhi]()
Residents across Delhi-NCR, especially those in high-rise buildings, experienced strong shaking. Many people went outside as a precaution. The NCS initially reported the epicenter as Dhaula Kuan.
“Though a 4.0-magnitude quake is considered moderate, its impact felt stronger than usual because of its shallow depth and close proximity to densely populated areas. Earthquakes with epicentres within a city result in more intense shaking since seismic waves travel a shorter distance before reaching structures, amplifying the tremors. Delhi, which falls in Seismic Zone IV, is prone to moderate-to-strong earthquakes, making localised tremors more pronounced as the. Experts noted that buildings, particularly high-rises, sway more due to their design, increasing the perceived intensity of shaking.”
The earthquake's shallow depth, estimated at 5 km, intensified the tremors. Seismic waves from shallow earthquakes travel shorter distances, causing stronger shaking at the surface. The epicenter's location within the city amplified the impact. The proximity meant the seismic waves traveled a shorter distance before reaching buildings and infrastructure.
Delhi's urban infrastructure, especially high-rise buildings, amplified the perceived shaking intensity. The design of these buildings makes them more susceptible to swaying during seismic events.
“Authorities have reported no major damage or casualties, but the sudden tremors sparked concern among residents. Seismologists continue to monitor aftershocks and have advised citizens to stay informed about earthquake preparedness measures.”
NCS Director, OP Mishra, provided a different magnitude assessment. His statement indicated a significantly higher magnitude. This discrepancy complicates understanding the event's full impact.
“The epicentre was at Jheel Park in Dhaula Kuan, it was a 6.0 magnitude earthquake. It was in the depth of 5 km, it is called shallow depth, hence people felt the effect. People getting panicked was natural. Seismologically, it is not new region, earthquakes have happened earlier in the region. Earlier, there was 4.6 magnitude earthquake in 6 km periphery, but it was deeper, with 10 km depth. There is a difference. It was not a plate tectonic earthquake, it was due to in situ material heterogeneity, it was due to local effect. We can expect aftershock of around 1 or 1.2 magnitude.”
The epicenter's proximity to Dhaula Kuan was highlighted.
“See how close were you from the epicenter: Dhaula Kuan 118315644”
Several factors contributed to the strong tremors. These included the epicenter's location within Delhi, the earthquake's shallow depth, the impact of urban infrastructure, particularly high-rise buildings, and the soil composition in some areas.
“Why did the tremors feel so strong? Epicentre within Delhi: Since the earthquake originated beneath the city, seismic waves had less distance to travel, making the tremors feel more intense. Shallow depth: Earthquakes that occur closer to the Earth's surface generate stronger shaking compared to deeper quakes of similar magnitude. Urban infrastructure: High-rise buildings in Delhi, Noida, and Ghaziabad sway more due to their height, amplifying the sensation of shaking. Soil composition: Soft alluvial soil in some areas of Delhi can amplify seismic waves, further intensifying the tremors.”
Delhi's geological location near active fault lines, including the Delhi-Hardwar Ridge and the Mahendragarh-Dehradun fault, makes it susceptible to earthquakes.
“Why did the earthquake occur? Delhi sits near active fault lines, including the Delhi-Hardwar Ridge and the Mahendragarh-Dehradun fault, making it prone to moderate seismic activity. The tremors were caused by tectonic plate movement along one of these fault lines, where stress builds up over time and is eventually released as an earthquake.”
The Richter scale's logarithmic nature was explained, highlighting how even small magnitude increases signify substantial differences in shaking intensity and energy release.
“How earthquake intensity changes with magnitude. The intensity of an earthquake is measured on the logarithmic Richter scale, where each whole-number increase represents a tenfold increase in the amplitude of seismic waves and about 32 times more energy release. This means that even small changes in magnitude can have a dramatic impact. For instance, an earthquake of magnitude 4.0 produces 10 times stronger shaking and releases 32 times more energy than a 3.0. Similarly, a 5.0-magnitude earthquake shakes 10 times more than a 4.0 and releases 32 times more energy. By the time an earthquake reaches magnitude 6.0, the shaking is 1,000 times stronger than a 3.0, and the energy released is 32,000 times greater. This exponential increase is why a seemingly small rise in magnitude can lead to severe destruction, especially in urban areas.”
Additional coverage of the earthquake was mentioned. The earthquake's occurrence at 5:36 AM IST disrupted early morning activities for many residents. The initial reports indicated a 4.0 magnitude, but later statements suggested a significantly higher magnitude of 6.0. This discrepancy in reported magnitudes raises questions and requires further investigation. The earthquake's shallow depth of 5 km amplified the shaking intensity felt at the surface. The epicenter's location within Delhi, near Dhaula Kuan, meant that seismic waves had less distance to travel, resulting in stronger tremors. The presence of high-rise buildings in Delhi and surrounding areas further exacerbated the shaking, as these structures are prone to swaying during seismic events. The soil composition in some areas of Delhi also contributed to the amplification of seismic waves.
The earthquake's impact on residents was significant. Many people were awakened by the tremors and rushed outdoors as a precautionary measure. The event sparked concern among residents and highlighted Delhi's vulnerability to earthquakes. The city's location near active fault lines, including the Delhi-Hardwar Ridge and the Mahendragarh-Dehradun fault, increases its risk of seismic activity. While no major damage or casualties were reported, the earthquake serves as a reminder of the importance of earthquake preparedness. Seismologists continue to monitor for aftershocks and advise citizens to stay informed about safety measures. The conflicting reports regarding the earthquake's magnitude highlight the need for accurate and timely information dissemination during such events.
Seismic Amplification in Delhi
( Image credit : TIL Creatives )
“Though a 4.0-magnitude quake is considered moderate, its impact felt stronger than usual because of its shallow depth and close proximity to densely populated areas. Earthquakes with epicentres within a city result in more intense shaking since seismic waves travel a shorter distance before reaching structures, amplifying the tremors. Delhi, which falls in Seismic Zone IV, is prone to moderate-to-strong earthquakes, making localised tremors more pronounced as the. Experts noted that buildings, particularly high-rises, sway more due to their design, increasing the perceived intensity of shaking.”
The earthquake's shallow depth, estimated at 5 km, intensified the tremors. Seismic waves from shallow earthquakes travel shorter distances, causing stronger shaking at the surface. The epicenter's location within the city amplified the impact. The proximity meant the seismic waves traveled a shorter distance before reaching buildings and infrastructure.
Delhi's urban infrastructure, especially high-rise buildings, amplified the perceived shaking intensity. The design of these buildings makes them more susceptible to swaying during seismic events.
“Authorities have reported no major damage or casualties, but the sudden tremors sparked concern among residents. Seismologists continue to monitor aftershocks and have advised citizens to stay informed about earthquake preparedness measures.”
NCS Director, OP Mishra, provided a different magnitude assessment. His statement indicated a significantly higher magnitude. This discrepancy complicates understanding the event's full impact.
“The epicentre was at Jheel Park in Dhaula Kuan, it was a 6.0 magnitude earthquake. It was in the depth of 5 km, it is called shallow depth, hence people felt the effect. People getting panicked was natural. Seismologically, it is not new region, earthquakes have happened earlier in the region. Earlier, there was 4.6 magnitude earthquake in 6 km periphery, but it was deeper, with 10 km depth. There is a difference. It was not a plate tectonic earthquake, it was due to in situ material heterogeneity, it was due to local effect. We can expect aftershock of around 1 or 1.2 magnitude.”
The epicenter's proximity to Dhaula Kuan was highlighted.
“See how close were you from the epicenter: Dhaula Kuan 118315644”
Several factors contributed to the strong tremors. These included the epicenter's location within Delhi, the earthquake's shallow depth, the impact of urban infrastructure, particularly high-rise buildings, and the soil composition in some areas.
“Why did the tremors feel so strong? Epicentre within Delhi: Since the earthquake originated beneath the city, seismic waves had less distance to travel, making the tremors feel more intense. Shallow depth: Earthquakes that occur closer to the Earth's surface generate stronger shaking compared to deeper quakes of similar magnitude. Urban infrastructure: High-rise buildings in Delhi, Noida, and Ghaziabad sway more due to their height, amplifying the sensation of shaking. Soil composition: Soft alluvial soil in some areas of Delhi can amplify seismic waves, further intensifying the tremors.”
Delhi's geological location near active fault lines, including the Delhi-Hardwar Ridge and the Mahendragarh-Dehradun fault, makes it susceptible to earthquakes.
“Why did the earthquake occur? Delhi sits near active fault lines, including the Delhi-Hardwar Ridge and the Mahendragarh-Dehradun fault, making it prone to moderate seismic activity. The tremors were caused by tectonic plate movement along one of these fault lines, where stress builds up over time and is eventually released as an earthquake.”
The Richter scale's logarithmic nature was explained, highlighting how even small magnitude increases signify substantial differences in shaking intensity and energy release.
“How earthquake intensity changes with magnitude. The intensity of an earthquake is measured on the logarithmic Richter scale, where each whole-number increase represents a tenfold increase in the amplitude of seismic waves and about 32 times more energy release. This means that even small changes in magnitude can have a dramatic impact. For instance, an earthquake of magnitude 4.0 produces 10 times stronger shaking and releases 32 times more energy than a 3.0. Similarly, a 5.0-magnitude earthquake shakes 10 times more than a 4.0 and releases 32 times more energy. By the time an earthquake reaches magnitude 6.0, the shaking is 1,000 times stronger than a 3.0, and the energy released is 32,000 times greater. This exponential increase is why a seemingly small rise in magnitude can lead to severe destruction, especially in urban areas.”
Additional coverage of the earthquake was mentioned. The earthquake's occurrence at 5:36 AM IST disrupted early morning activities for many residents. The initial reports indicated a 4.0 magnitude, but later statements suggested a significantly higher magnitude of 6.0. This discrepancy in reported magnitudes raises questions and requires further investigation. The earthquake's shallow depth of 5 km amplified the shaking intensity felt at the surface. The epicenter's location within Delhi, near Dhaula Kuan, meant that seismic waves had less distance to travel, resulting in stronger tremors. The presence of high-rise buildings in Delhi and surrounding areas further exacerbated the shaking, as these structures are prone to swaying during seismic events. The soil composition in some areas of Delhi also contributed to the amplification of seismic waves.
The earthquake's impact on residents was significant. Many people were awakened by the tremors and rushed outdoors as a precautionary measure. The event sparked concern among residents and highlighted Delhi's vulnerability to earthquakes. The city's location near active fault lines, including the Delhi-Hardwar Ridge and the Mahendragarh-Dehradun fault, increases its risk of seismic activity. While no major damage or casualties were reported, the earthquake serves as a reminder of the importance of earthquake preparedness. Seismologists continue to monitor for aftershocks and advise citizens to stay informed about safety measures. The conflicting reports regarding the earthquake's magnitude highlight the need for accurate and timely information dissemination during such events.