New Delhi, July 12, 2025 – For the second consecutive day, residents of Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) were jolted by earthquake tremors, with the epicenter located near Jhajjar, Haryana. The latest quake, measuring 3.7 on the Richter scale, struck at 7:49 PM IST on Friday, July 11, 2025, causing panic among residents but no reported damage or injuries. This follows a stronger 4.4-magnitude earthquake that hit the same region on Thursday morning, raising concerns about seismic activity in this densely populated area.
According to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS), the Friday earthquake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers, with its epicenter located at latitude 28.68°N and longitude 76.72°E, approximately 10 kilometers northeast of Jhajjar and 51 kilometers west of Delhi. The NCS reported the event on X, stating, “EQ of M: 3.7, On: 11/07/2025 19:49:43 IST, Lat: 28.68 N, Long: 76.72 E, Depth: 10 Km, Location: Jhajjar, Haryana.” The shallow depth of the quake contributed to its widespread impact, with tremors felt across Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Faridabad, Rohtak, and other adjoining areas.
A Region on Edge: Back-to-Back Quakes
Thursday’s earthquake, which struck at 9:04 AM IST with a magnitude of 4.4, had its epicenter just 3 kilometers northeast of Jhajjar, also at a depth of 10 kilometers. The stronger quake caused significant alarm, prompting residents to evacuate buildings and sparking widespread discussion on social media. One Gurugram resident posted on X, “Another earthquake — 2 earthquakes in 2 days! What’s happening?” reflecting the growing unease among locals. The back-to-back seismic events have heightened concerns, especially given Delhi’s proximity to active fault lines near the Himalayan belt, one of the world’s most seismically active zones.
Experts from the NCS have suggested that Friday’s 3.7-magnitude quake may be an aftershock of Thursday’s event. Dr. Ambikapathy Ammani, a scientist at the NCS under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, noted, “Of the two earthquakes felt in Jhajjar, one today and another yesterday, today’s was smaller… Both of them occurred in the same fault, which is between the Delhi Haridwar Ridge (DHR) and Mahendragarh-Dehradun subsurface (MDDSF) fault.” This fault system, combined with Delhi’s location in Seismic Zone IV—a high seismic hazard zone—explains the region’s vulnerability to such events.
Public Reaction and Safety Concerns
The tremors, though mild, caused widespread panic. A local from Jhajjar, speaking to ANI, expressed fear, stating, “The people seem to be scared. The epicentre was also said to be Jhajjar… Today, too, we felt the tremors. We will pray to God to bless us.” Social media platforms, particularly X, were abuzz with reactions, with users sharing their experiences and concerns about the frequency of quakes. One post read, “Another day, another earthquake. Earthquake jolts Delhi once again — second tremor this week!”
Despite the alarm, no casualties or structural damage were reported from either quake. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely, and the NCS has urged residents to stay informed through its BhooKamp app. The lack of damage is attributed to the relatively low magnitude of both quakes, though their shallow depth amplified their impact. The NCS noted that Thursday’s 4.4-magnitude quake, while not considered damaging, was “widely felt across NCR” due to its proximity to the surface.
Geological Context: Why Delhi-NCR is Prone to Quakes
Delhi-NCR lies close to the collision zone of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, making it susceptible to tremors from both local and distant epicenters, such as those in Himachal Pradesh, Nepal, or Afghanistan. The region’s location in Seismic Zone IV indicates a high risk of seismic activity, with the potential for moderate to severe earthquakes. The Jhajjar area, in particular, has a history of low to moderate magnitude quakes, often linked to local fault lines. A senior NCS scientist explained, “This region has seen periodic low to moderate magnitude earthquakes. These are natural releases of accumulated tectonic energy, and the Himalayas are also not far from here.”
Earlier this year, on February 17, 2025, Delhi-NCR experienced tremors from a 4.0-magnitude earthquake with an epicenter in south Delhi’s Dhaula Kuan, followed by several aftershocks. The recurrence of seismic activity in the region underscores the need for preparedness, especially in a densely populated urban area like Delhi-NCR, home to millions of people and critical infrastructure.
Government and Community Response
While no official statement from the Delhi government was reported in connection to the recent quakes, the city’s administration has faced scrutiny over infrastructure resilience. A separate report noted that Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta canceled a contract for the repair and furnishing of her official residence due to administrative reasons, highlighting ongoing concerns about resource allocation. However, no specific measures related to earthquake preparedness were mentioned in this context.
The NCS continues to monitor seismic activity and provide real-time updates. The organization’s BhooKamp app has been promoted as a tool for residents to access earthquake alerts and safety information. Meanwhile, social media discussions have called for greater public awareness and stricter enforcement of building codes in Seismic Zone IV to mitigate future risks.
Looking Ahead: Seismic Risks and Preparedness
The back-to-back earthquakes in Jhajjar have reignited discussions about Delhi-NCR’s seismic vulnerability. While the recent quakes were relatively mild, their frequency serves as a reminder of the region’s geological risks. Experts warn that larger earthquakes, though less frequent, remain a possibility due to the proximity of major fault lines. The NCS’s preliminary report on Thursday’s quake emphasized that the shallow depth and location near active faults amplified its impact, a factor that applies to Friday’s tremor as well.
As Delhi-NCR continues to grow as a major urban hub, ensuring earthquake-resistant infrastructure and public awareness will be critical. The recent tremors, while causing no harm, have underscored the need for proactive measures, from retrofitting buildings to educating residents on safety protocols. For now, the region remains on alert, with residents and authorities alike hoping for calm in the days ahead.
Last Updated on Saturday, July 12, 2025 6:51 am by Mahitha Ventrapati
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