Tremors rattle Delhi-NCR as shallow quake strikes Haryana’s Jhajjar

A mild earthquake measuring 4.4 on the Richter scale struck Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) early July 10, briefly shaking buildings and prompting concern among residents. According to the National Centre for Seismology, the tremor originated near Jhajjar in Haryana at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers — a geological factor that can amplify surface shaking.

Despite its shallow origin, the quake did not cause any immediate damage or injuries, authorities confirmed. Residents across parts of Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, and other NCR towns reported feeling the tremors shortly after 7 AM.

Shallow earthquakes — typically those occurring less than 70 kilometers below the Earth’s surface — can be more destructive due to their proximity to populated areas. However, seismologists said the quake’s moderate intensity was not enough to trigger structural damage.

Delhi falls under seismic Zone IV — the second-highest category of earthquake-prone areas in India — making it vulnerable to frequent low- to moderate-intensity quakes. In recent years, the region has experienced several similar seismic events, including a magnitude 4.1 quake in 2022, also originating in Haryana.

The capital has not recorded a quake exceeding magnitude 5 in the past decade, according to data from the US Geological Survey. Still, experts continue to caution against complacency, urging adherence to safety norms and preparedness, especially in high-density urban zones like Delhi-NCR.