Tremors were reported across Delhi and adjoining areas on Friday evening after an earthquake of magnitude 3.7 struck Jhajjar in Haryana. According to the National Center for Seismology (NCS), the earthquake occurred at 7:49 pm at a depth of 10 kilometres. This is the second seismic event in Jhajjar in as many days.
The epicentre, Jhajjar, is located nearly 60 kilometres from the national capital, making the tremors widely felt in parts of Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).
Just a day earlier, a stronger 4.4 magnitude earthquake had hit the same region at 9:04 am on Thursday, causing panic among residents. That quake also originated in Jhajjar and was short-lived.
Seismologists noted that aftershocks following a main tremor are a normal occurrence and are typically of lower intensity. These smaller quakes help release built-up tectonic energy gradually, potentially reducing the likelihood of a more severe seismic event.
Why Delhi-NCR Frequently Feels Earthquake Tremors
The Delhi-NCR region lies atop a complex network of geological fault lines that contribute to its seismic sensitivity. These include the Mahendragarh-Dehradun Fault (MDF), Delhi-Haridwar Ridge (DHR), Delhi-Sargodha Ridge (DSR), Delhi-Moradabad Fault, Sohna Fault, Mathura Fault, and the Reverse Fault (F1).
The Mahendragarh-Dehradun Fault, one of the region’s most significant fault lines, connects the stable Indian craton to the active Himalayan Frontal Thrust. It extends from Mahendragarh in Haryana to Dehradun in Uttarakhand, cutting through highly populated zones, including Delhi and its surrounding areas.
Experts suggest that tectonic activity in this region is influenced by both local geological shifts and movements in the distant Himalayan belt. The recent tremor’s proximity to the MDF raises the possibility that this fault line was responsible.
Seismologists have pointed out that earthquakes in the Delhi-NCR zone generally range from magnitude 2.0 to 4.5, reflecting ongoing tectonic stress beneath the surface. While most of these events are moderate, the density of fault lines and closeness to the Himalayan collision zone keep the region susceptible to stronger quakes in the future.
