New Delhi |
A 4.0-magnitude earthquake shook Delhi-NCR early Monday morning at 5:36 AM. Many people felt the shaking, and some even heard a loud “boom.” While there was no damage, this raised an important question—why does Delhi experience earthquakes so often?
Delhi Is in a High-Risk Earthquake Zone
Experts say Delhi is in Seismic Zone IV, which means it is at high risk for earthquakes. The city is not on the edge of a major landmass shift, but it is still affected by movements under the ground because of nearby cracks in the earth and its closeness to the Himalayas, where big earthquakes happen.
Why Do Earthquakes Happen in Delhi?
Shaking from the Himalayas – The Indian landmass is pushing against another large piece of land (the Eurasian region), which creates pressure under the ground. When this pressure releases, earthquakes happen in the Himalayan region, and sometimes the shaking is felt in Delhi.
Cracks Under Delhi – There are several cracks deep inside the ground, called fault lines, under and around Delhi. When these cracks move suddenly, the ground shakes. Some major fault lines are:
– Delhi-Haridwar Ridge – One of the biggest underground cracks affecting North India.
– Delhi-Moradabad Fault – A crack that affects ground movement in the NCR region.
– Mahendragarh-Dehradun Fault – A hidden underground crack that increases the risk of earthquakes.
– Sohna Fault – Another fault line that makes Delhi’s ground unstable.
Why Did Some People Hear a Loud Sound? – Monday’s earthquake happened just 5 km below the ground. When an earthquake is this close to the surface, it can create a strong vibration, which sometimes turns into a loud “boom” sound.
Is Delhi Ready for a Bigger Earthquake?
Experts warn that a strong earthquake (above 6.0-magnitude) could cause serious damage in Delhi, especially because many buildings are not strong enough to handle big shakes.
There are rules for building safer homes and offices, but not all buildings follow them. The Delhi government and disaster experts advise people to:
– Make homes stronger by using earthquake-safe designs
– Learn what to do during an earthquake and follow safety drills
– Know the safe places in homes and offices in case of an emergency
Delhi is in an area where earthquakes can happen at any time. Monday’s shake was a reminder that a bigger one could come. The best way to stay safe is to be prepared and follow safety guidelines.
