New Delhi: An early morning earthquake sent shockwaves through the Delhi-NCR region on Tuesday, prompting panic as residents across the capital and surrounding cities rushed out of buildings in fear. The tremors, which originated from Haryana’s Jhajjar district, struck at 9:04 a.m. and were measured at 4.4 magnitude on the Richter scale, according to the National Centre for Seismology. The quake originated at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers, adding to its perceptibility.
In Delhi’s residential colonies, people felt the impact as ceiling fans swung and household items rattled. Residents immediately evacuated buildings, gathering in open spaces as a precaution. Office-goers in Noida and Gurugram also felt the vibrations, with many stepping away from their desks as computer screens and chairs shook.
The impact extended as far as Meerut and Shamli in western Uttar Pradesh nearly 200 kilometers from the epicenter where tremors were also experienced.
Social media was instantly flooded with firsthand accounts and videos, with users sharing their reactions and describing the quake as “surprisingly long-lasting.”
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) quickly issued a public advisory urging calm. Citizens were reminded to avoid elevators, use staircases, and seek safety in open areas if indoors. Those on the road were advised to pull over safely and stay away from overpasses and tall structures.
No injuries or damages were reported immediately, but the incident sparked widespread concern, highlighting the vulnerability of the densely populated region to seismic activity. Authorities remain on alert for aftershocks, and emergency response teams have been kept on standby.