Mild Earthquake Jolts Delhi-NCR as 3.2 Magnitude Quake Hits Faridabad

New Delhi:

Around 6:00 am on Tuesday, a 3.2-magnitude earthquake near Faridabad, Haryana, caused mild tremors throughout the Delhi National Capital Region (NCR). According to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS), the earthquake's shallow focus was located about 5 km below the surface of the earth. The epicentre of the earthquake was located at latitude 28.29°N and longitude 72.21°E. 

A brief but noticeable shake was reported by many residents of Delhi and the surrounding areas. One resident in south Delhi said, "It was like a sudden jolt, and the pictures on the walls were swaying for a few seconds." No reports of injuries or structural damage have been made, though.

There is no record of aftershocks of significant magnitude so far and the NCS recorded that the tremors were only confined to the initial motion. According to officials, the earthquake's impact was probably limited by its low intensity and shallow depth. 

Delhi State Disaster Management Authority (DSDMA) urge the citizens to keep their head on their shoulders and to ensure that the organisation was closely monitoring the situation. People in high-rise buildings were cautioned by a spokesperson to "avoid windows and hanging objects in case of any subsequent tremors."

Faridabad All the locals were in close contact with the district administration of Faridabad, which promised not to sustain any damage and provided a safety briefing to locals in the immediate aftermath. Emergency services still existed, but it was only utilised on a precautionary basis. 

Seismologists had observed that earthquakes of low magnitude of this category are occasionally observed in the areas north of India which comprise the Gangetic plains and the foothold of the Himalayan range. "A 3.2-magnitude earthquake is small and rarely causes damage, but shallow-focus events like this one can be felt over a wider area," said Dr. Kusum Sharma, an NCS seismologist.

Nonetheless, low quakes were observed in the same vicinity in 2024, and it is crucial to note that such types of seismic activity are frequent and are often harmless most of the time. Critics however pointed to the importance of social understanding and preparedness. 

Following the earthquake, the NCR's public transportation, offices, and schools reported no operational disruptions. The authorities assured that there was no change in the schedule of trains and the services between Delhi and Faridabad via rail were not effected.

As of now the NCS has not released any advisories advising evacuations or the shutdown of crucial infrastructure. It is also recommended to oblige the residents to take the standard measures against earthquakes e.g. seek protection in solid furniture in case of further shaking. 

Local officials are only obtaining information and monitoring any new occurrence in the aftermath of the quake. For the time being, officials' main message is still to be calm and cautious. The tremor this morning is a reminder of the area's susceptibility to seismic activity, no matter how small. 

Even though, it is not dangerous now, the professionals suggest being aware and prepared instead of fearing.