Tue Feb 18 04:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Delhi Rattled by Strongest Local Earthquake in Five Years

**New Delhi, India** – Delhi experienced its strongest locally-originated earthquake in at least five years on Monday, a magnitude 4 tremor centered near Dhaula Kuan. While Delhi frequently experiences tremors from earthquakes elsewhere, this quake’s proximity caused noticeable shaking. A similar magnitude quake struck near Siwan, Bihar, a few hours later. Neither event caused reported damage.

The National Centre of Seismology confirmed the event, noting that Delhi sits in a seismically active zone (Zone 4), the second highest risk category in India’s earthquake hazard map. Zone 4 areas are susceptible to significant damage during earthquakes. The quake’s intensity, measured by the MSK scale, reflects the area’s vulnerability to shaking rather than the earthquake’s overall strength.

Experts at the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology explained that the quake originated from the Aravalli-Delhi Fold Belt, a geologically active region with ancient rock formations and stress points that occasionally release energy as earthquakes. This differs from the tectonic activity causing quakes in the Himalayan region. While the Aravalli-Delhi Fold Belt was historically more active, it’s now geologically more stable, though minor quakes remain possible.

The earthquake’s unusual accompanying sound, reported by some residents, was addressed by geologists. While earthquakes can produce sounds, they are often inaudible to humans. The reported sound was likely a secondary effect of the shaking, such as building vibrations.

Although Delhi has a history of smaller quakes, the likelihood of a major earthquake originating in the region is considered extremely low by experts, given the area’s current geological conditions. However, the potential impact of a large quake on the densely populated city remains a concern.

**(Note: The final paragraph about Gujarati immigrants deported from the US is unrelated and has been omitted from this news article.)**

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