On Thursday morning, people across Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Faridabad, and nearby areas woke up to strong tremors caused by a 4.4 magnitude earthquake. The earthquake struck at 9:04 am, with its epicenter in Jhajjar, Haryana, just about 60 kilometers from Delhi. The tremors lasted for a minute, but for many, it felt much longer.
How Residents Reacted
As soon as the ground began to shake, fans and lights started swaying, and household items rattled. Many residents, startled by the sudden movement, rushed out of their homes and offices. Some people were in the middle of breakfast, while others were at work or school. In offices, computer screens and chairs moved, causing workers to quickly leave their desks and gather in open spaces.
People living in high-rise apartments felt the tremors more strongly. A resident from Ghaziabad shared,
“I was at a shop when it hit, it felt as if someone was shaking the shop.” Another person from Noida said, “It was a very strong earthquake, and we were all terrified. But thankfully, it didn’t last long.”
No Major Damage, But Panic Was Real
Thankfully, there have been no reports of injuries or major damage. The Delhi Police and local authorities quickly checked for any problems and confirmed that the city was safe. Delhi Metro trains stopped briefly as a precaution, but services resumed soon after. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and other emergency teams were on alert, ready to help if needed.
Why Is Delhi-NCR Prone to Earthquakes?
Delhi is located in Seismic Zone IV, which means it is at high risk for earthquakes. The city often feels tremors from earthquakes that start in the Himalayas or nearby regions. Experts say that the ground under Delhi is made up of many layers and faults, making it more likely to shake during an earthquake.
What Should You Do During an Earthquake?
Earthquakes can happen without warning, so it is important to know how to stay safe. Here are some simple tips that everyone should remember:
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Drop, Cover, and Hold On: As soon as you feel shaking, drop to the ground, take cover under a sturdy table or desk, and hold on until the shaking stops.
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Stay Indoors: If you are inside, do not run outside during the shaking. It is safer to stay put and protect your head and neck.
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Move Away from Windows: Stay away from glass, mirrors, and heavy objects that could fall.
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If Outside, Find an Open Space: Move to a clear area away from buildings, trees, and power lines.
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If in a Vehicle: Stop the car in a safe place and stay inside until the shaking stops.
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Don’t Use Elevators: Always use the stairs if you need to leave a building after the earthquake.
After the tremors stop, check yourself and others for injuries, and be careful of aftershocks. Listen to news updates and follow instructions from authorities.
How Can We Prepare for Future Earthquakes?
Experts suggest that people living in Delhi-NCR should take steps to make their homes and workplaces safer:
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Secure Heavy Furniture: Attach bookshelves, cabinets, and TVs to the wall.
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Prepare an Emergency Kit: Keep water, food, a flashlight, batteries, and first-aid supplies ready.
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Check Building Safety: Consult a structural engineer to see if your building is earthquake-resistant.
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Practice Drills: Teach children and family members what to do during an earthquake.
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Voices from the Community
Many people shared their experiences on social media, calling this quake the “longest” and “strongest” they have felt in a long time. Some posted photos and videos of swaying fans and shaking furniture. While most were scared, there was also a sense of relief that no one was hurt.
A Delhi resident said,
“I could see the fan moving. We immediately ran out of our houses.” Another added, “I was working on my laptop when I felt the chair moving. Then I looked at the fan, and it was also moving. I quickly ran out of my home.”
Learning from the Experience
This earthquake was a reminder that nature is powerful and unpredictable. While Delhi-NCR was lucky this time, experts warn that bigger earthquakes are possible in the future. It is important for everyone—children and adults—to learn about earthquake safety and be prepared.
Being calm and knowing what to do can save lives. Schools and offices should practice earthquake drills regularly. Families should talk about safety plans and keep emergency kits ready. By working together and staying alert, the community can face such challenges with confidence.
Final Thoughts
The strong earthquake that jolted Delhi-NCR on Thursday morning caused panic but no harm. It was a wake-up call for everyone to stay prepared and informed. As experts and authorities continue to monitor the situation, residents are urged to stay calm, follow safety tips, and help each other in times of need.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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