Mon Feb 17 15:53:44 UTC 2025: ## Delhi Jolted by 4.0 Magnitude Earthquake

**New Delhi, February 17, 2025** – A 4.0 magnitude earthquake struck the National Capital Region (NCR) early Monday morning, causing residents to flee their homes. The tremor, with its epicenter near Jheel Park in Dhaula Kuan, was shallow (5 km depth), amplifying its impact and resulting in loud sounds reported by nearby residents.

According to O.P. Mishra, Director of the National Centre for Seismology, the earthquake was caused by variations in the region’s geological features, not plate tectonics. While the Delhi region frequently experiences tremors from both Himalayan and local sources, Monday’s event differed from a previous 4.6 magnitude earthquake in the same area in 2007, which was deeper (10 km) and less strongly felt.

Delhi falls under seismic zone IV, the second highest risk category in India. The NCR is susceptible to seismic activity due to its proximity to the Himalayas and a history of significant earthquakes, including the 1803 Garhwal Himalaya quake (7.5 magnitude) and the 2015 Gorkha earthquake (7.8 magnitude). Local earthquakes have also impacted the region historically.

Mr. Mishra emphasized that this type of earthquake, caused by “in-situ material heterogeneity,” is not uncommon in the area. The shallow depth of Monday’s quake, however, is what contributed to its noticeable impact.

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