Two 4.0 magnitude earthquakes shake North India, no casualties reported

North India experienced strong tremors early on Monday, with a 4.0 magnitude earthquake first shaking Delhi-NCR around 5:30 am and then Bihar at 8 am. 

The tremors were felt by residents across Delhi, Noida, Greater Noida, and Ghaziabad, who rushed out of their homes in fear. 

The earthquake’s epicenter was in Dhaula Kuan, Delhi, at a shallow depth of 5 kilometers. While the tremors caused panic, no immediate damage or injuries were reported.

In Delhi, the tremors occurred at 5:36 am, lasting only a few seconds, but with a loud booming sound, which startled many. The proximity of the epicenter to Delhi contributed to the strong shaking. 

CCTV footage captured pipes and wires swaying as a result of the quake. According to the US Geological Survey, the shallow depth of the quake (5 km) resulted in more energy and sound, which caused the booming noise that many described as intense. Even though the earthquake had a magnitude of 4.0, its shallowness amplified its impact.

This earthquake follows a series of tremors in the region. Just a few weeks ago, on January 23, Delhi-NCR had felt tremors after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake in Xinjiang, China. 

Earlier in January, mild tremors were also recorded from a 6.1-magnitude quake in Afghanistan. Delhi, located about 250 kilometers from the seismically-active Himalayan collision zone, is prone to such seismic activity. 

Being situated in Seismic Zone IV, the region faces moderate to high earthquake risks, particularly from the Himalayas and local faults. In the past, Delhi experienced several tremors, including 3.5 and 4.4-magnitude earthquakes in 2020.

Meanwhile, Bihar was also shaken by a 4.0 magnitude earthquake in Siwan district at 8:02 am. The tremor was recorded at a depth of 10 km, and residents in Siwan and surrounding areas felt the strong shaking. 

Panic ensued, with people rushing out of buildings, but, like in Delhi, no damage or casualties were reported. The Bihar Disaster Management Department confirmed that the earthquake caused no loss of life or property damage.

As North India experiences regular seismic activity, authorities urge residents to remain vigilant while emphasizing that earthquakes are a natural part of the region’s geophysical environment.