Earthquake in Delhi today: As PM Modi alerts about ‘aftershocks’, is there possibility of fresh tremors in Delhi-NCR?

Earthquake in Delhi today: An earthquake of magnitude four on the Richter scale struck the Delhi-NCR region early Monday. As strong tremors created panic among residents, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Delhiites to follow safety precautions and stay alert for “aftershocks.”

The tremors caused by the Delhi earthquake triggered panic among residents and forced them to leave their homes in Delhi, Noida, Greater Noida and Ghaziabad.

“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,” wrote PM Modi on X.

Earthquake in Delhi today

The earthquake, which had its epicentre in New Delhi, struck at a depth of five kilometres on Monday at 5:36 a.m. The coordinates of the earthquake were: Latitude 28.59° N, Longitude 77.16° E.

Earthquake in Delhi today: What is the possibility of aftershocks?

Delhi was struck by an earthquake of intensity four on the Richter scale on Monday. Environmentalist Dr Suman Gupta said that since Delhi falls under seismic zone IV, the chances of aftershocks are low. However, she said that the region has fairly high seismicity, making it prone to earthquakes, though the intensity is expected to remain low.

Earthquake Delhi today: What can be the intensity of aftershocks?

After an earthquake of 4.0 magnitude, Delhi can witness aftershocks of magnitude less than 1.2, according to Director of the National Centre for Seismology (NCS), Dr OP Mishra.

“Delhi has been experiencing minor earthquakes. This earthquake occurred in Dhaula Kuan. In 2007, an earthquake of 4.7 magnitude had occurred there. After 4.0 magnitude, the aftershock will be less by 1.2 magnitudes; it is natural as it will heal it,” Mishra told ANI.

Earthquake in Delhi today: When can Delhi-NCR experience aftershocks?

Although aftershocks are less likely in Delhi after an earthquake, Dr Suman Gupta said that in rare cases, they can occur in the next 8-12 hours.

“Aftershocks can be generally observed within 8-12 hours after an earthquake. However, it is difficult to predict the possibility of aftershocks without a detailed study of the epicentre of the Delhi earthquake,” Gupta told Mint.

The epicentre of today's earthquake in Delhi was located in the Jheel Park area of Dhaula Kuan, reported ANI. Several people in Delhi claimed to have heard a loud sound as the ground shook.

“Past records of quakes in the region show that aftershocks in Delhi are minimal. However, it is difficult to predict anything,” Gupta added.

Earthquake strikes Delhi today, history of aftershocks

Delhi has experienced frequent aftershocks in past earthquakes in recent years. 

According to news agency ANI, an earthquake of magnitude 3.5 on the Richter scale was recorded on April 12, 2020, followed by a 3.4-magnitude quake on May 10, 2020, both in northeast Delhi. 

A 4.4-magnitude earthquake struck near Rohtak (about 50 kilometres west of Delhi) on May 29, 2020, and triggered more than a dozen aftershocks, causing panic among residents.