Tue Feb 18 08:58:28 UTC 2025: ## Delhi Shakes: Strongest Local Earthquake in Five Years Recorded

**New Delhi, India** – A magnitude 4.0 earthquake struck Delhi early Monday morning, the strongest earthquake to originate within the city in at least five years, according to the National Centre of Seismology. The tremor, centered near Dhaula Kuan, caused no reported damage. A similar magnitude earthquake occurred hours later near Siwan, Bihar.

While Delhi lies in a seismically active zone and experiences frequent minor tremors originating elsewhere, Monday’s quake was notable for its origin within the city itself. The area falls within Zone 4 on India’s earthquake hazard map, indicating high susceptibility to damage. This susceptibility stems from the Aravalli-Delhi Fold Belt, a geologically active region with historical seismic activity, although significantly less intense than in the past.

Dr. Vineet Gehlot of the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology compared the current seismic activity to “old scars flaring up,” explaining that while significant geological processes have subsided, existing faults can still trigger minor quakes. He noted that Delhi experiences around 25 earthquakes of magnitude 2.5 or higher annually.

The unusual sound reported by some residents during the quake is explained by Dr. Gehlot as a phenomenon that sometimes accompanies larger earthquakes, though often inaudible to humans. He clarified that other vibrations from shaking buildings are often mistaken for the quake itself.

While historical records mention strong earthquakes in Delhi, including a potentially misattributed event in 1803, Dr. Gehlot stressed that the likelihood of a major earthquake originating in Delhi is extremely low due to the region’s current geological conditions. The potential for significant damage in a densely populated area like Delhi remains a concern, but current tectonic activity suggests such an event is improbable.

**(Separate News Item): 33 Gujarati Immigrants Deported from US**

AHMEDABAD, INDIA – Thirty-three Gujarati immigrants were deported from the United States on a military aircraft, arriving in Ahmedabad via Amritsar. While Haryana and Punjab police have made arrests related to the human trafficking involved, Gujarat Police have yet to launch an investigation. The deportees are receiving support as they recover, while the Indian government’s promised crackdown on illegal immigration remains to be seen in the form of local investigations.

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