Wed Jul 16 18:38:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

A recent earthquake felt in Delhi, though moderate, serves as a reminder of India’s seismic vulnerability. The event is part of a broader pattern of increasing seismic activity across Asia and globally. Given India’s location on an active tectonic plate and the risk of a major earthquake in the Himalayas, urgent action is needed. A significant portion of buildings in Delhi, especially older constructions, do not comply with seismic codes, exacerbating the risk. The article emphasizes the necessity of strict enforcement of building codes, retrofitting existing structures, public education, and investment in disaster-resilient infrastructure, drawing lessons from international experiences. The author calls for a national dialogue and immediate action to mitigate the potential devastation of a future large-scale earthquake.

**News Article:**

**Delhi Earthquake a Wake-Up Call: India Must Prioritize Seismic Resilience**

**New Delhi – July 17, 2025** – A 4.4 magnitude earthquake that shook Delhi on July 10th has highlighted the urgent need for India to bolster its preparedness for seismic events. The tremor, while causing limited damage, exposed the vulnerability of the capital’s infrastructure, where a significant portion of buildings are not built to withstand earthquakes.

The Delhi event follows a string of earthquakes across Asia since March, including a devastating quake in Myanmar and Thailand. Experts warn that India, situated on a tectonically active plate, faces a heightened risk, particularly from a potential “Great Himalayan Earthquake” of magnitude 8 or higher.

“This is a wake-up call,” said Balasubramanian Govindasamy, a retired Chief Engineer and former Deputy Adviser, Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India in an article published by The Hindu. “We cannot afford to delay implementing stringent enforcement, public education, and resilient infrastructure investment.”

The article stresses the need for stricter enforcement of seismic building codes, retrofitting of older structures, and public awareness campaigns on earthquake preparedness. It highlights the success of updated seismic codes in cities like Bangkok, and the potential dangers of unreinforced masonry, as seen in Myanmar.

The situation in Delhi is particularly concerning, with many older buildings in East Delhi built on soil prone to liquefaction and designed without mandatory shear walls, posing a significant threat.

Govindasamy suggests that the Government of India must lead with stringent enforcement, public education, and resilient infrastructure investment and that “Citizens should educate themselves about the need for emergency kits, safe building practices, and evacuation plans.”

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