Earthquake Tremors Jolt Delhi-NCR, Parts Of North India

New Delhi: Strong tremors were once again felt across Delhi-NCR on Friday night. Additionally, the ground shook across several states in North India. The earthquake was felt as far afield as Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh. These tremors caused panic and chaos, prompting people to rush out of their homes. Initial reports indicate no loss of life or property anywhere. The epicenter of the earthquake is reported to be in Afghanistan. Meanwhile, the intensity of the earthquake was measured at 5.9 on the Richter scale.

Where was the earthquake's epicenter?

According to reports, the earthquake's epicenter was located in the Afghanistan-Tajikistan border region, and its tremors were felt for a considerable duration across several North Indian states, including Delhi-NCR. Panic also spread among residents in Jammu and Kashmir—specifically in Udhampur, Poonch, and the Kashmir Valley—as the ground shook. Furthermore, tremors were also felt in several areas of Pakistan, including Islamabad.

The tremors, which struck around 9:45 PM, were so intense that people in various regions—including Noida, Chandigarh, Ludhiana, and parts of Jammu and Kashmir such as Poonch, Srinagar, and Udhampur—rushed out of their homes.

What did people say?

Baldev Chand, a resident of Chandigarh, stated, "I felt strong tremors for a few seconds." He resides in a flat on the second floor. An official from Jammu and Kashmir confirmed that the earthquake had an intensity of 5.9.

The official further noted that the earthquake's epicenter was located in Afghanistan at 36.398 degrees North Latitude and 70.878 degrees East Longitude. He added that the earthquake occurred at a depth of 150 kilometers.

Why were tremors felt in North India when the epicenter was in Afghanistan?

According to the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), a 5.9 magnitude earthquake struck the Afghanistan-Tajikistan border region and the Hindu Kush area on Friday. Its epicenter was situated deep beneath the surface—at a depth of approximately 177 kilometers. According to experts, when an earthquake originates at such a significant depth, its seismic waves travel over vast distances. This is why the tremors were felt quite intensely not only in neighboring countries but also in several parts of North India.

Earthquake Tremors in Ghaziabad as Well?

Earthquake tremors were felt in Ghaziabad as well, around 9:50 PM on Friday night. As soon as the sudden tremors were felt, residents living in the city's housing societies rushed out of their homes into open spaces. People returned to their homes only after a considerable period had passed. Discussions regarding the event continued on social media late into the night.

Residents across various parts of the city—including Raj Nagar Extension, Raj Nagar, Sanjay Nagar, Govindpuram, Nandgram, Sihani, and Patel Nagar, as well as Crossing Republic, Siddharth Vihar, Vasundhara, Indirapuram, Vaishali, and Kaushambi—became aware of the earthquake. Deepanshu Mittal, a resident of the 'Brave Heart Society' located in Raj Nagar Extension, recounted that he was strolling in the society's park after having dinner. It was during this time, at 9:50 PM, that he sensed the earthquake. The commotion in the surroundings made it evident that it was indeed an earthquake. Subsequently, he called his neighbors to inform them of the situation. Following this, other residents also stepped out of their homes and gathered in the park.

According to eyewitnesses, the tremors lasted for only a few seconds, but their intensity was such that it triggered panic among the people. Many residents reported that fans, lights, and household items began to shake, leading them to immediately suspect that an earthquake was occurring. In some areas, people remained standing outside for a considerable time, waiting for the situation to return to normal.