7 days ago
Is Delhi headed for a big quake? What recent tremors could be warning us about
In recent days, Delhi and its neighbouring regions have experienced multiple small earthquakes, with tremors reported in Jhajjar, Rohtak, and, most recently, a 3.2 magnitude earthquake in Faridabad this these seismic events seem to be inching closer to the heart of the national capital, sparking anxiety and raising urgent questions: Is Delhi sitting on the brink of a major earthquake? If so, when might it occur, and what intensity should residents prepare for?advertisementDelhi falls under Seismic Zone IV, indicating a high vulnerability to significant earthquakes. Beneath the city lie several fault lines, the cracks in the earth's crust that have the potential to unleash powerful tremors. With a massive population of around 30 million living in this fragile zone, the stakes are incredibly high.
Since 1720, only five earthquakes with magnitudes ranging between 5.5 and 6.7 have been recorded in or near Delhi. (Photo: Getty)
SMALL QUAKES, BIG WORRIES
The smaller earthquakes occurring near Delhi can be viewed as nature's warning signals. These minor tremors may be releasing some of the earth's built-up stress along fault lines, or they could be indicative of accumulating tectonic pressure that could eventually trigger a much bigger quake. While small quakes themselves rarely cause significant damage, their occurrence close to urban centers like Delhi calls for heightened near the Himalayan collision zone, this region experiences tectonic interactions that influence ground movements and the occurrence of earthquakes. The seismic activity here is caused not only by distant Himalayan tectonics but also by local geological structures.
The city's geographical location near the Himalayan seismic belt contributes to this risk. (Photo: Getty)
Several fault lines run through the region, including the Delhi-Haridwar Ridge (DHR), Delhi-Sargodha Ridge (DSR), Mahendragarh-Dehradun Fault (MDF), Delhi-Moradabad Fault, Sohna Fault, Mathura Fault, and the Reverse Fault (F1). Each of these plays varying roles in the seismic profile based on its geological characteristics and historical A BIGGER ONE COMING?Delhi has not experienced an earthquake of magnitude above 5 in the last decade. It can provide a sense of relative seismic calm in recent years. However, historical records reveal that stronger earthquakes have occurred in the region. So, the city's vulnerability to seismic events can't be ruled out completely. One notable seismic event was the 6.0 magnitude earthquake in 1720, only five earthquakes with magnitudes ranging between 5.5 and 6.7 have been recorded in or near Delhi. This data suggests that while major earthquakes are rare, they are by no means The city's geographical location near the Himalayan seismic belt contributes to this risk, as tectonic movements in that region occasionally trigger earthquakes of varying Delhi's recent history of low seismic activity should not lead to complacency. The presence of historical earthquakes above magnitude 5 reveals a latent seismic risk that requires ongoing attention and preparedness learning from past events and leveraging modern technology and planning, Delhi can better safeguard its population against future earthquakes, ensuring resilience in the face of natural hazards.- EndsTune InMust Watch
