Delhi NCR Earthquake: Capital Falls Under Seismic Zone IV, What It Means?

Delhi NCR Earthquake: On 17 February 2025, Delhi NCR woke up to powerful earthquake tremors that triggered panic among residents. The epicentre of the earthquake was located in New Delhi, and despite its magnitude of 4.0, many residents reported feeling strong tremors due to the shallow depth of the quake.

According to the National Center for Seismology (NCS), the earthquake struck at 5:36 a.m. at a depth of 5 kilometres with coordinates 28.59°N latitude and 77.16°E longitude. Several areas, including Delhi, Noida, and Indirapuram, experienced noticeable shaking.

Though the tremors lasted only a few seconds, their intensity led many residents to rush outdoors in fear. Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of casualties or property damage.

PM Modi Addresses the Delhi NCR Earthquake, Warns of Aftershocks

In response to the earthquake, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X (formerly Twitter) and urged people to stay calm. He wrote: “Tremors were felt in Delhi and nearby areas. Urging everyone to stay calm and follow safety precautions, staying alert for possible aftershocks. Authorities are keeping a close watch on the situation.”

Tremors were felt in Delhi and nearby areas. Urging everyone to stay calm and follow safety precautions, staying alert for possible aftershocks. Authorities are keeping a close watch on the situation.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 17, 2025

The PM’s statement highlights the possibility of aftershocks, which can follow an earthquake and pose further risks. Residents are advised to remain vigilant and follow safety guidelines issued by authorities.

Delhi NCR Falls Under Seismic Zone IV – What It Means?

Did you know that Delhi NCR falls under Seismic Zone IV? This classification means that the region is prone to moderate to strong earthquakes.

Understanding Seismic Zone IV

India is divided into four seismic zones based on earthquake risk: Zone II (low risk), Zone III (moderate risk), Zone IV (high risk), and Zone V (very high risk). Delhi NCR falls under Seismic Zone IV, making it one of the most earthquake-prone regions in northern India.

According to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Seismic Zoning Map (IS 1893:2016), Seismic Zone IV is susceptible to strong tremors ranging from VII to VIII on the Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) scale. The expected Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA) in this zone is around 0.24g, which indicates the strength of ground shaking during an earthquake.

Key Areas Falling Under Seismic Zone IV

Several regions in India fall under Seismic Zone IV, including:

• Delhi
• Jammu & Kashmir (Parts of Ladakh, Srinagar)
• Himachal Pradesh (Shimla, Kangra)
• Uttarakhand (Dehradun, Nainital)
• Bihar (Northern region)
• West Bengal (Near Indo-Nepal border)
• Gujarat (Parts near Kutch)

While Seismic Zone IV poses a significant earthquake risk, Seismic Zone V has the highest level of earthquake vulnerability in India.

How Can Delhi NCR Residents Stay Prepared?

Given that Delhi NCR lies in a high-risk seismic zone, it is crucial for residents to stay prepared for potential earthquakes. Here are some essential safety tips:

• Secure heavy furniture and appliances to prevent them from toppling.
• Identify safe spots in your home, such as under sturdy tables or against interior walls.
• Have an emergency kit ready, including first aid, water, food, and essential documents.
• Stay informed through official alerts from the National Center for Seismology.
• Practice earthquake drills to ensure quick and safe responses.

The Delhi NCR earthquake on 17 February 2025 served as a stark reminder of the region’s seismic vulnerability. Since Delhi falls under Seismic Zone IV, it remains at risk of moderate to strong earthquakes. While this zone is not the most severe, residents must remain vigilant, follow safety precautions, and stay prepared for any future tremors.