Three earthquakes in 13 days! Why are so many quakes striking Delhi-NCR? Is there a need to worry?

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Delhi is located in Seismic Zone IV, an area with active geological faults, which, coupled with its history of tremors and substandard building practices, makes it highly susceptible to significant earthquake damage.

Three earthquakes in 13 days! Why are so many quakes striking Delhi-NCR? Is there a need to worry?

New Delhi: An earthquake of magnitude 3.2 on the Richter scale hit Haryana’s Faridabad in the early hours of Tuesday, the National Centre for Seismology (NCS) said. The tremors were also felt across the Delhi National Capital Region. However, no injuries or damage were reported. According to the NCS, the tremors occurred at a depth of 5 km beneath the surface with a latitude of 28.29°N and longitude 72.21°E. It was the third quake that jolted the Delhi-NCR region in less than two weeks (13 days). The back-to-back earthquakes in or around the national capital have raised major concerns: why are so many earthquakes happening with such frequency?

What Is An Earthquake?

An earthquake is the sudden shaking or trembling of the ground caused by movement of the Earth’s tectonic plates. This sudden movement released energy in the form of seismic waves, which travel throughout the Earth and cause it to shake.

These seismic phenomena usually happen along faults-cracks in the Earth’s crust where the plates slide past each other, collide or move apart. The point where the earthquake originates underground is called the focus, and the surface directly above is known as the epicentre.

Why Does Delhi-NCR Experience So Many Earthquakes?

The reason for the frequent tremors is Delhi lying at the junction of several tectonic plates and fault lines, classifying it in Seismic Zone IV. This zone is the most vulnerable area for earthquakes as per the division in India. notably, there are 4 seismic zones in India, Zone II, Zone III, Zone IV, and Zone V. This makes it have a fairly high frequency.

Being a “high-risk area” means earthquakes in Delhi and surroundings can go up to magnitude 5-6. An earthquake of magnitude 7-8 is an “occasional” occurrence in Delhi.

The Delhi-Haridwar Ridge and Delhi-Moradabad Fault are two major lineaments that pass through Delhi and make it more sensitive to earthquakes.

The region’s proximity to the Himalaya’s is another key factor. This ongoing tectonic activity results in frequent tremors felt in the northern plains, including the Delhi-NCR region.

What To Do During An Earthquake?

• Drop, Cover, and Hold: Drop to your hands and knees immediately to prevent falling. Cover your head and neck with your arms and, if possible, take shelter under a sturdy table or desk.

• Stay indoors until shaking stops: Do not run outside during the shaking—falling debris outside can be dangerous. Stay away from windows, mirrors, glass doors, and anything that could shatter.

• If you are Outside: Move to a clear area away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and utility wires. Stay there until the shaking stops.

• If you are in a Vehicle: Stop as quickly and safely as possible and stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires. Proceed cautiously once the shaking stops.

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