Early Monday morning, residents of Delhi-NCR were jolted awake as a 4.0 magnitude earthquake struck the region. The National Center for Seismology confirmed that the earthquake, with its epicenter near Dhaula Kuan in New Delhi, occurred at a shallow depth of five kilometers at 5:36 AM.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi promptly addressed the situation, urging citizens to stay calm and follow safety precautions. “Authorities are keeping a close watch,” he assured in a post on X. Meanwhile, Delhi Police extended support, reminding citizens to dial emergency helpline 112 in case of any urgent assistance.

The tremors led to panic, particularly among residents of high-rise buildings in Delhi, Noida, Greater Noida, and Ghaziabad, many of whom rushed outdoors fearing aftershocks. Footage captured by PTI Videos showed people standing outside their homes in concern.

Seismologists noted that the area near the epicenter has experienced minor tremors every few years, with the last recorded one in 2015 at 3.3 magnitude. A loud sound was also reported during Monday’s quake, adding to the alarm.

Delhi, situated in Seismic Zone IV, remains vulnerable to earthquakes due to its proximity to the Himalayan collision zone. The capital has experienced multiple tremors in recent years, including a 4.4 magnitude earthquake near Rohtak in May 2020. Experts caution that while moderate earthquakes are common, larger seismic events cannot be ruled out.

As residents recover from the morning's scare, authorities remain on high alert for potential aftershocks.