Earthquake Shakes Jhajjar, Delhi-NCR
An earthquake measuring 4.4 on the Richter scale struck at 9:04 AM near Jhajjar, Haryana at a shallow depth of around 10 km, causing noticeable tremors across Delhi-NCR—including Noida, Gurugram, Faridabad, and even parts of western Uttar Pradesh like Meerut and Shamli India+15The Logical Indian+15NDTV+15.
📍 Epicenter & Seismic Details
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Epicenter: Approximately 3 km northeast of Jhajjar, about 60 km west of Delhi Business Today+8Rediff+8Urban Acres+8.
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Depth: 10 km—quite shallow, which typically amplifies the shaking at ground level .
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Magnitude: NCS and other agencies consistently reported magnitude 4.4 Rediff+15The Logical Indian+15The Economic Times+15.
🏙️ Impact on Delhi–NCR
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Panic & Evacuations: Office workers felt computers shaking; residents in high-rises rushed out barefoot or in nightwear into open areas Daijiworld+5Rediff+5Telegraph India+5.
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No Major Damage Reported: Luckily, there were no reported casualties or infrastructure damage .
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Extended Reach: Tremors were felt up to 200 km away, in towns like Meerut and Shamli The Tribune+6NDTV+6The Economic Times+6.
🌊 Context & Urban Impact
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Seismic Zone IV: Delhi lies in a moderately high-risk earthquake zone, underlining its vulnerability ABP Live+10The Economic Times+10Hindustan Times+10.
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Seasonal Strain: The quake came just a day after intense monsoon rains that already had stretched urban infrastructure, highlighting the city's ongoing resilience challenges Urban Acres.
🚨 Response & Preparedness
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Authorities on Alert: Disaster management teams confirmed they reviewed protocols, saw no immediate harm, but remained cautious about possible aftershocks India TV News+2Urban Acres+2Telegraph India+2.
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Public Advisory: Officials urged calm, recommended staying outdoors during tremors, and advised checking emergency kits—especially important given recent extreme weather events.
🏠 On-the-Ground Voices
Residents expressed widespread dismay:
“It was a strong jolt... first time in my life it felt so strong,” said an elderly man in Jhajjar NDTV+12Rediff+12Urban Acres+12.
“We rushed out... the floor shook and fans wobbled,” shared a Noida office-goer Rediff.
🔮 What’s Next?
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Seismic Monitoring: The National Centre for Seismology will keep watch for any aftershocks.
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Infrastructure Assessment: Authorities may begin inspecting older buildings and bridges for quake resistance, especially in light of monsoonal damage.
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Preparedness Drills: Experts likely to urge residents and workplaces to conduct awareness sessions and mock drills, reinforcing "drop, cover, hold" protocols.
🧭 Final Take
Though brief, the tremors served as a stark reminder of Delhi–NCR’s seismic risk—especially in Seismic Zone IV. Coming alongside monsoon storms, the event spotlights an urgent need for improved urban disaster preparedness and resilient infrastructure planning to safeguard against earth and sky.
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