Earthquake Jolt in Delhi-NCR: Magnitude 4.4 Tremors Disrupt Businesses & Daily Life, No Major Damage Reported

Strong tremors rattled Delhi and other parts of the National Capital Region (NCR) on Thursday morning as an earthquake measuring approximately 4.4 on the Richter scale struck Haryana's Jhajjar district. The National Institute of Seismology reported that the quake occurred at a shallow depth of 10 km.

Delhi Earthquake Interrupted Daily Businesses on Thursday Morning

The tremors caused widespread disruption in daily life across the region. In Delhi, office workers experienced shaking computer systems, prompting many to evacuate buildings temporarily. Schools delayed or paused classes as a precaution, while street vendors and local businesses saw a slowdown as people rushed out of shops and markets. Commuters faced difficulties as some roads became congested due to the sudden panic and people stepping out of vehicles.

Residents across Delhi were seen leaving their homes after fans and household items swayed noticeably when the quake struck at 9:04 am. The tremors were also felt in prominent office hubs in Noida and Gurugram, with many professionals stepping outside their workplaces for safety. The impact extended beyond NCR, reaching as far as Meerut and Shamli in western Uttar Pradesh, about 200 km from the earthquake's epicenter in Jhajjar.

Social media was abuzz with posts from people describing the quake and how long the shaking lasted. In response, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) quickly issued an advisory urging the public not to panic, advising those indoors to avoid running outside recklessly and to use stairs if evacuating. For drivers caught in the tremors, the NDRF recommended pulling over in open spaces to ensure safety.

No Major Damage Reported

Fortunately, no major damage or casualties were reported from the earthquake. However, the incident has renewed concerns about the seismic vulnerability of the region. Delhi falls under Seismic Zone IV, classified as a high-risk area for earthquakes, highlighting the need for increased preparedness and resilient infrastructure to mitigate potential future risks and minimize disruptions to daily life and business.