Residents of Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) woke up to strong tremors early Monday morning as a 4.0 magnitude earthquake struck the region.
According to an official quoted by news agency PTI, the epicenter was located near Durgabai Deshmukh College of Special Education in South Delhi's Dhaula Kuan.
The National Centre for Seismology reported that the earthquake occurred at a depth of five kilometers at 5:36 AM. Witnesses described hearing a loud rumbling sound as the tremors shook the city. Experts suggest that the noise may have resulted from the shallow depth of the earthquake, likely caused by movement in the tectonic plates and bursts of seismic energy.
Panic-stricken residents rushed out of their homes as the tremors were felt across Delhi-NCR. Videos circulating on social media showed people standing outside their houses and ceiling fans visibly shaking. Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of damage or casualties.
Dhaula Kuan, which has a nearby lake, has experienced low-magnitude tremors roughly every two to three years. The last recorded earthquake in the area was a 3.3 magnitude tremor in 2015, according to officials.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to stay calm and remain alert for potential aftershocks. In a tweet, he reassured that authorities were closely monitoring the situation and advised people to follow safety protocols.
Political leaders also expressed concern and extended prayers for the safety of residents. Caretaker Delhi Chief Minister Atishi tweeted her prayers for everyone's safety, a sentiment echoed by AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal.
The Delhi Police also posted on X, urging residents to stay safe and dial 112 in case of emergencies.
Many social media users expressed surprise at the intensity of the tremors, noting that despite the moderate magnitude, the quake felt quite strong.
