Varsha
New Delhi: Thursday morning brought an unexpected jolt to the National Capital Region, as a 4.4 magnitude earthquake struck Jhajjar district in Haryana, sending strong tremors rippling through Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, and even as far as Meerut and Shamli in western Uttar Pradesh, nearly 200 km from the epicentre.
The earthquake, which occurred at 9:04 AM, had a shallow depth of just 10 km, according to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS). Shallow quakes tend to feel stronger and cause more noticeable shaking — and many residents across Delhi and NCR reported that these were the longest tremors they had ever felt.
EQ of M: 4.4, On: 10/07/2025 09:04:50 IST, Lat: 28.63 N, Long: 76.68 E, Depth: 10 Km, Location: Jhajjar, Haryana.
For more information Download the BhooKamp App https://t.co/5gCOtjcVGs @DrJitendraSingh @OfficeOfDrJS @Ravi_MoES @Dr_Mishra1966 @ndmaindia pic.twitter.com/uDNjvD8rWT— National Center for Seismology (@NCS_Earthquake) July 10, 2025
A Morning of Panic and Posts
In many parts of Delhi, ceiling fans swayed, windows rattled, and nervous residents rushed out of their homes and workplaces into open spaces. Office-goers in Noida and Gurugram stepped out of high-rises as computer screens and furniture trembled.
In Haryana, strong tremors were also felt in Rohtak, Dadri, Bahadurgarh, and Gurugram. In Uttar Pradesh, residents of Meerut and Shamli, some 200 km away, also reported feeling the quake.
Within minutes, social media was flooded with posts and videos capturing swaying fixtures and reactions — some humorous, others expressing fear.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) issued a quick advisory:
- Stay calm.
- Leave buildings using stairs, not elevators.
- If outdoors, move to an open space.
- If driving, stop safely in an open area and remain inside the vehicle until the shaking stops.
Why Delhi Feels the Quakes
Earthquakes are not unusual in Delhi, which sits in Seismic Zone IV — a high-risk zone on India’s seismic map. The city is dangerously close to several active fault lines:
- Delhi-Haridwar Ridge
- Sohna Fault
- Delhi-Moradabad Fault
- Mahendragarh-Dehradun Fault
According to the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), these faults are created by the ongoing collision between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. “These colliding plates behave like a compressed spring — when they slip, stored energy is suddenly released, resulting in an earthquake,” the DDMA explains.
Historical records show that since 1720, Delhi has experienced at least five significant earthquakes measuring above 5.5 magnitude, underscoring the city’s vulnerability.
FAQs
Take cover under sturdy furniture.
Stay away from windows, mirrors, and tall furniture.
Do not use elevators.
If outdoors, move to a clear area.
If in a vehicle, stop in a safe open space and stay inside.
Yes. Delhi is in Seismic Zone IV, one of India’s highest risk zones, and lies close to multiple fault lines.
Shallow quakes tend to transmit more energy to the surface. Also, soil type and building structure influence how long shaking is felt.
In Jhajjar district, Haryana, about 10 km below the surface.
The earthquake was 4.4 on the Richter scale, classified as light but enough to cause noticeable shaking.
Conclusion
The morning tremors served as yet another wake-up call for Delhiites about the seismic risks lurking beneath the city. While this earthquake caused no reported damage or injuries, it highlights the need for preparedness and awareness in an earthquake-prone region like ours. When the earth shakes next, will we be ready?
Sources:
- National Centre for Seismology (NCS)
- National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)
- Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA)
