Delhi and neighboring cities in the Delhi-NCR experienced strong tremors today. It is reported that these tremors lasted for about 3-4 seconds. However, the epicenter of the earthquake has been reported in the Alwar district of Rajasthan. The earthquake measured 4.7 on the Richter Scale and had a depth of 35 km.
This is not the first time that the Delhi and NCR region has experienced earthquake tremors in recent months. Earlier in June, a low-intensity earthquake of 2.1 magnitudes had hit Delhi. The epicenter of this earthquake was near the Gurgaon border. Since April, Delhi-NCR has recorded more than 14 quakes of low and medium intensity.
NCR is an active seismic zone and falls into category IV. The tremors are on a small scale. However, the danger is when the earthquake magnitude is above 4 on the Richter scale.
”Earthquake of Magnitude: 4.7, Occurred on: 03-07-2020, 19:00:50 IST, Lat:28.00 N & Long: 76.69E, Depth: 35 Km, Region: Distt.- Alwar, Rajasthan,” according to India’s National Center for Seismology.
The earthquake triggered panic among people who ran out of their homes to safety as the tremors were felt. Since the country is still under lockdown due to the COVID-19 outbreak, a majority of people are still at their homes.
Recent earthquakes in Delhi have triggered a debate on the possibility of increased seismicity around the area. This has also given rise to the fears of an impending big earthquake sometime soon. Delhi High Court recently asked the Delhi government and the civic bodies to explain what steps it has taken to make important buildings and landmarks safe from the earthquake.