Strong tremors in Delhi-NCR on December 17

NEW DELHI: A moderate-severity earthquake of magnitude 4.2 on the Richer scale was felt for a few seconds in several parts of Delhi-NCR on Thursday, December 17. The earthquake hit at 11:46pm at a depth of 7.5 kilometres from the surface. There was no report of any casualties to life or property as earthquakes of magnitude four or below barely result in any damages.

According to India’s National Centre for Seismology, the epicentre of the earthquake was Rewari, Haryana. The geologists suggest that Delhi, which is much closer to the faultline, is prone to big earthquakes. The national capital falls in seismic zone 4, which is a very high-risk zone.

There were 12 recent earthquakes in the months of June, May, and April. These earthquakes have led to discussions on the possibility of increased seismicity around the national capital and triggered fears of an impending big earthquake sometime soon. Delhi has also experienced tremors when an earthquake hits as far as in Central Asia or even in the Himalayan ranges, that are tectonically the most active regions and due to the large population and high density, an earthquake in Delhi sets warning of danger.