Essential Details
- Time: 5:36 AM, February 17, 2025
- Magnitude: 4.0
- Epicenter: Near Durgabai Deshmukh College of Special Education, Dhaula Kuan
- Depth: 5 kilometers
- Duration: 35 seconds
- Areas Affected: Delhi, Noida, Greater Noida, Ghaziabad
Immediate Effects
A loud rumbling sound accompanied the tremors, causing residents to evacuate buildings. The shallow depth of 5 kilometers intensified the ground motion. No casualties or structural damage were reported, according to Delhi Police and Fire Services.
VIDEO | As Delhi-NCR was jolted by an early morning earthquake, National Centre for Seismology Director OP Mishra says, "The epicentre was at Jheel Park in Dhaula Kuan, it was a 4.0 magnitude earthquake. It was in the depth of 5 km, it is called shallow depth, hence people felt… pic.twitter.com/PbVsNMofGU
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 17, 2025
Expert Analysis
Dr. OP Mishra, Director of the National Centre for Seismology, explained: “Delhi has been experiencing minor earthquakes. This earthquake occurred in Dhaula Kuan. In 2006, an earthquake of 4.6 magnitude had occurred there. There is nothing to worry about. It is a seismic zone there. After the 4.0 magnitude quake, the aftershock will be less by 1.2 magnitude. It is natural as it will heal it.”
EQ of M: 4.0, On: 17/02/2025 05:36:55 IST, Lat: 28.59 N, Long: 77.16 E, Depth: 5 Km, Location: New Delhi, Delhi.
— National Center for Seismology (@NCS_Earthquake) February 17, 2025
For more information Download the BhooKamp App https://t.co/5gCOtjdtw0 @DrJitendraSingh @OfficeOfDrJS @Ravi_MoES @Dr_Mishra1966 @ndmaindia pic.twitter.com/yG6inf3UnK
Vineet Gahalaut, Director of Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, provided crucial context: “The maximum magnitude of the earthquake reported in Delhi would have been around 5.5. This earthquake was of 4.0 magnitude… We need to be prepared and take precautions. We have NDMA, and BMTPC guidelines. It is advisable to come out of your homes if you live in small buildings. If you live in big buildings then people should try to hide under a strong table or bed. It is not advised to use lifts.”
VIDEO | Earthquake in Delhi-NCR: Here’s what Vineet Gahalaut, Director of Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology said.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 17, 2025
“… The maximum magnitude of the earthquake reported in Delhi would have been around 5.5. This earthquake was of 4.0 magnitude… We need to be prepared and take… pic.twitter.com/CSHBMQuk9c
Public Response
Delhi residents immediately took to X to share their earthquake experiences. Jaggrim Ranbir reported the 4.3 magnitude tremors that caused people to leave their homes, while @CapXSid described feeling their building shake in New Delhi. These firsthand accounts helped confirm the earthquake’s impact across the city.
#Earthquake strong Earthquake measuring 4.3 were felt in Delhi in the morning,the earth kept shaking for several seconds due to which people panicked came out of their houses
— 💝🌹💖🇮🇳jaggirmRanbir🇮🇳💖🌹💝 (@jaggirm) February 17, 2025
The epicenter of the earthquake was Delhi pic.twitter.com/IRkd5411Nv
Feeling the whole building shake in New Delhi right now!
— 🧢1⃣0⃣ (@CapXSid) February 17, 2025
Anyone else experiencing this? #Delhi #Earthquake pic.twitter.com/sHT8a9b0hE
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Major DP Singh used this opportunity to share critical safety information, correcting the common misconception about running out during earthquakes. He advised people to instead take cover under solid objects like beams and dining tables, while staying away from glass, almirahs, and electrical wires. His practical safety guidance provided clear direction during a moment of public concern
Using stairs to run out of buildings is correct in case of fire but in earthquake it's ❌🚫
— Major D P Singh (@MajDPSingh) February 17, 2025
By the way how many of you really know that you do not run out of buildings during #earthquake ?
Take cover under solid things like
Beam
Dinning table
Stay away from things which may…
The tremors affected Delhi, Noida, Greater Noida, and Ghaziabad. Despite the intensity, the Delhi Police and Fire Service received no reports of damage or casualties.
Delhi-NCR Earthquake: People rushed out of their houses as earthquake tremors hit Delhi-NCR early this morning. #Earthquake
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 17, 2025
(Full video is available on https://t.co/dv5TRARJn4) pic.twitter.com/bgzptCZrGb
Official Reactions
Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted: “Tremors were felt in Delhi and nearby areas. Urging everyone to stay calm and follow safety precautions, staying alert for possible aftershocks. Authorities are keeping a close watch on the situation.”
Tremors were felt in Delhi and nearby areas. Urging everyone to stay calm and follow safety precautions, staying alert for possible aftershocks. Authorities are keeping a close watch on the situation.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 17, 2025
Delhi Police advised citizens to use emergency number 112 for assistance.
We hope you all are safe, Delhi !
— Delhi Police (@DelhiPolice) February 17, 2025
For any emergency help #Dial112 .#Earthquake
Technical Context
- Delhi-NCR lies in Seismic Zone IV, indicating high earthquake risk
- Dhaula Kuan area records low-magnitude quakes every 2-3 years
- Previous quake in this area: 3.3 magnitude in 2015
- Region has experienced 420 shallow earthquakes historically
Scientific Explanation
The US Geological Survey notes that shallow earthquakes (5-10 km depth) often produce audible sounds in urban areas. High-frequency vibrations generate booming sounds as seismic waves convert to sound waves at the surface.
Additional Seismic Activity
At 8:02 AM the same day, a 4.0 magnitude earthquake struck Bihar’s Siwan district at 10 kilometers depth.
Safety Measures Advised
- Stay calm during tremors
- Drop, cover, and hold on
- Avoid elevators
- Move to open areas if necessary
- Follow official channels for updates
This report is based on verified information.