Strong Earthquake Hits Delhi-NCR: Vulnerable Areas Revealed

Delhi Hits by Strong Tremors: What You Need to Know

New Delhi: Strong tremors were felt in Delhi and surrounding areas at 5:36 AM today, sending residents into a state of alert. The National Centre for Seismology (NCS), which monitors earthquake activity in India, confirmed the quake’s epicenter was in Delhi, with tremors felt throughout northern India. The earthquake struck at a shallow depth of just 5 kilometers. Acting Delhi Chief Minister Atishi reported the event, expressing concern for public safety and hoping everyone was unharmed.

Delhi’s Vulnerability to Earthquakes
Delhi, along with the National Capital Region (NCR), is located in Zone IV according to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) seismic zoning map, which is considered a high seismic risk zone. This means the region is more likely to experience moderate to high-intensity earthquakes. But why is Delhi so prone to frequent tremors?

The primary reason lies in its geographical and geological position. The capital is situated near the Himalayan mountain range, just 200-300 kilometers away. The Himalayas were formed as a result of the ongoing collision between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. This constant tectonic activity increases the frequency of tremors in the region, making Delhi particularly vulnerable to natural disasters like earthquakes and landslides.

Tectonic Plates and Seismic Risk
Earthquakes are primarily caused by the movement of tectonic plates beneath the Earth’s surface. The continuous pressure from the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates creates frequent seismic activity. This is why northern India—including Delhi—is so susceptible to tremors.

The region’s seismic risk is largely tied to its proximity to the boundary where these two tectonic plates meet. This collision zone is one of the most seismically active areas in the world, contributing to regular earthquake occurrences in Delhi and neighboring regions.

India's Earthquake Risk
Government data reveals that nearly 59% of India’s landmass is prone to earthquakes of varying intensities. The country is divided into four seismic zones based on risk levels:

• Zone V (11%) – The most active region, prone to the strongest earthquakes
• Zone IV (18%) – High-risk, including Delhi and NCR
• Zone III (30%) – Moderate risk
• Zone II (41%) – Least active

Given the seismic activity in the region, Delhi remains at a heightened risk of tremors, which means continued monitoring and preparedness are crucial for the safety of its residents.