Powerful Earthquake Shakes Delhi-NCR: Panic in the Capital, No Major Damage Reported

📍New Delhi, India — July 10, 2025

A strong earthquake measuring 5.8 on the Richter scale jolted India’s capital, New Delhi, and surrounding NCR (National Capital Region) areas on Wednesday evening, sparking widespread panic but leaving behind minimal structural damage and no reported casualties.

The tremors, which struck at 8:45 PM IST, lasted approximately 30 seconds and were felt in Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Faridabad, and as far as Chandigarh and parts of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.

Epicenter in Hindukush, Felt Across Northern India

According to the National Center for Seismology (NCS), the earthquake originated from the Hindukush mountain range in Afghanistan, at a depth of approximately 190 km. Despite the distance, the quake’s deep origin and magnitude caused strong tremors across a vast stretch of northern India.

“The intensity and duration of the tremors indicate a deep-focus earthquake. These quakes are powerful and can be felt across long distances,” said Dr. R. K. Singh, senior geophysicist at NCS.

Delhi on Edge: Evacuations and Emergency Response

In Delhi, thousands rushed out of homes, malls, and high-rise buildings. Video footage circulating on social media showed crowds gathering in open spaces, visibly shaken.

  • Metro services were briefly paused as a precautionary measure.
  • Hospitals and emergency services reported no injuries.
  • IGI Airport operations continued without interruption.

Potician Arvind Kejriwal addressed the public, saying:

“Strong tremors were felt across the capital. Fortunately, there are no reports of damage so far. Disaster response teams are fully activated.”

Why Was This Earthquake So Strong in Delhi?

While Delhi is over 1,000 km from the epicenter, the capital lies in Seismic Zone IV, one of India’s most earthquake-prone regions. The city’s geological vulnerability means that even distant earthquakes can cause significant tremors.

Experts warn that urban infrastructure—especially older buildings—remains highly vulnerable.

“Delhi has seen increasing vertical construction. Retrofitting and structural audits must become urgent priorities,” said urban planner Meera Chopra.

No Casualties, But Wake-Up Call for Preparedness

As of 11:00 PM IST, no casualties or serious injuries have been reported. Authorities remain on high alert in case of aftershocks, which often follow major seismic events.

The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has urged residents to:

  • Stay away from elevators
  • Avoid standing near glass or heavy objects
  • Keep emergency kits and contact lists handy

A Nation on Alert: Lessons from the Earth’s Fury

This incident is a reminder of the growing need for earthquake preparedness in urban India. As cities expand, disaster resilience must be woven into planning and daily life.

India has witnessed several major quakes in the last decade. While Wednesday’s tremor spared the capital from devastation, seismologists say it’s only a matter of time before a stronger quake tests the nation’s readiness.

📌 What to Do During an Earthquake?

✔️ Drop, Cover, and Hold On
✔️ Stay indoors if already inside
✔️ Move to an open area if outdoors
✔️ Avoid elevators and staircases

For now, Delhi breathes a sigh of relief — but the tremors may have awakened something deeper: a call for vigilance, preparation, and respect for nature’s unpredictable power.

Stay tuned to Global Insight for real-time updates, expert interviews, and live coverage of seismic activity in India and beyond.

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