Earthquake Tremors Jolt Delhi-NCR: A 6.1 Magnitude Quake Originating from Afghanistan

New Delhi, January 11, 2024 - The residents of Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) were jolted by a tremor in the early afternoon of January 11, 2024. The tremors, which caused widespread panic and concern, originated from a 6.1 magnitude earthquake centered in Afghanistan.

According to the National Center for Seismology, the earthquake occurred at 14:50:24 IST, with its epicenter at latitude 36.48 and longitude 70.45, at a depth of 220 kilometers. The US Geological Survey reported a slightly higher magnitude of 6.4 on the Richter scale, noting that the quake struck at a depth of 206.6 km, 44 km south-southwest of Jurm, Afghanistan.

Impact in Delhi-NCR

In Delhi-NCR, residents experienced shaking of furniture and buildings, leading to a brief moment of chaos and concern. Despite the intensity of the tremors, there have been no immediate reports of significant damage or casualties in the region. The earthquake was felt strongly in areas like Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurgaon, prompting people to evacuate buildings and gather in open spaces as a precautionary measure.

Source: NSC-X

The tremors were not limited to Delhi-NCR; they were also felt in other parts of northern India, including Chandigarh, Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, and Punjab. Pakistani media reported similar experiences in Lahore, Islamabad, and cities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Safety and Precautions

The sudden seismic activity serves as a reminder of the region's vulnerability to earthquakes. Authorities have advised residents to stay informed through official announcements and take necessary safety precautions. This incident highlights the importance of earthquake preparedness and disaster response measures in the region.

Authorities in both India and Afghanistan are closely monitoring the situation to assess any potential aftershocks or related seismic activities.