No Cause For Concern: NCS Director Reassures Delhi After 4.0 Magnitude Earthquake

Dr. OP Mishra, Director of the National Centre for Seismology (NCS), reassured Delhi residents on Monday that there is no cause for concern following the 4.0-magnitude earthquake that struck the national capital early in the day.

He explained that aftershocks of lesser magnitude are a ‘natural’ occurrence and will dissipate over time.

The earthquake, which hit at 5:36 AM, originated just 5 km beneath the surface near Dhaula Kuan, a region known for seismic activity.

Speaking to ANI, Mishra mentioned that the earthquake’s epicenter was located in Dhaula Kuan, an area within a seismic zone.

“Delhi has been experiencing minor earthquakes. This earthquake occurred in Dhaula Kuan. In 2007, an earthquake of 4.7 magnitude had occurred there. There is nothing to worry about. It is a seismic zone there,” he asserted.

Explaining the cause of the earthquake, the NCS Director noted, “The earthquake occurred due to in-situ material heterogeneity. After 4.0 magnitude, the aftershock will be less by 1.2 magnitudes; it is natural as it will heal it.”

Hours after the earthquake struck Delhi, tremors were felt in Bihar at around 8:02 AM on Monday, originating from just 10 km beneath the Earth’s surface. No casualties or damage reported so far.

The NCS Director, however, explained that the earthquakes in Delhi and Bihar are unrelated, as such events ‘depend on the rock shearing strength, which is different for both these states’.

“People need to take precautions, as earthquakes do not kill people. It is the structures that kill people. Delhi has always been safe during such instances of shallow earthquakes; the structures that are built these days are very obstructive and attenuate the seismic waves,” he further added.

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