A 4.4-magnitude earthquake struck the Jhajjar district of Haryana on the morning of July 10, 2025, jolting residents across Delhi-NCR out of their daily routine. The National Centre for Seismology (NCS) reported the earthquake at 9:04 a.m. IST, with the epicentre located 3 km northeast of Jhajjar, at a depth of 10 km.

The shallow quake caused noticeable tremors across New Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and parts of western Uttar Pradesh, including Meerut and Muzaffarnagar.

Early Morning Shock: Residents Rush Out in Panic

As the ground shook for nearly 10 seconds, thousands of residents scrambled outdoors in fear. In high-rise residential societies, particularly across Gurugram and Noida, people reported the sensation of their buildings swaying.

“I was on the 11th floor when I suddenly felt a tremor. My computer screen shook, and I ran outside with my children,” said Anita Mehra, a resident of Sector 137, Noida. “This has become more frequent in recent years. It’s terrifying every time.”

In central Delhi, residents of older buildings in Lajpat Nagar and Karol Bagh felt sudden jolts, with some reporting minor cracks in walls and dislodged wall hangings.

Social media platforms lit up with real-time accounts of the event. Videos captured swaying ceiling fans, swinging lights, and people standing outside in corridors and open spaces, many still in pajamas.

Public Infrastructure and Services React Swiftly

Authorities responded promptly. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) halted train services for a few minutes during the tremor as a safety precaution. Operations resumed shortly after engineers conducted safety checks at key interchange stations.

In schools, morning classes were disrupted, with students in some Delhi schools being temporarily evacuated to open grounds. No injuries were reported.

Government buildings and hospitals were placed on alert status, with structural inspections initiated in critical facilities like AIIMS, Safdarjung, and LNJP Hospitals.

No Reports of Casualties or Structural Damage

Despite the strong ground shaking, there were no immediate reports of fatalities, injuries, or structural damage, according to the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) and Haryana’s State Emergency Operations Centre.

An official from the DDMA stated, “We have not received any reports of significant structural failure. However, all civic bodies have been directed to conduct safety audits of infrastructure, especially in vulnerable zones.”

The NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) issued guidelines for public safety and advised citizens to be prepared for potential aftershocks, which are common after shallow earthquakes of this magnitude.

Geological Insights: What Caused the Quake?

According to experts, the quake occurred along active fault systems in the Indo-Gangetic Plain. The Delhi-NCR region lies within Seismic Zone IV, considered one of the most earthquake-prone zones in India.

“The shallow depth of this quake made it more strongly felt, even though the magnitude wasn’t very high,” explained Dr. Rakesh Bhardwaj, senior seismologist at the Indian Institute of Geophysics. “The strain buildup in the northern plains is significant due to tectonic plate collision, and quakes like this are a reminder that the region needs better seismic readiness.”

Dr. Bhardwaj added that while quakes below 5.0 magnitude rarely cause damage, they’re a wake-up call to improve urban planning, structural design, and community preparedness.

Delhi’s Earthquake Vulnerability

This latest earthquake follows a pattern of frequent, moderate tremors experienced in the National Capital Region. In recent years:

• Feb 17, 2025: A 4.0-magnitude quake near Dhaula Kuan
• May 2020: Two earthquakes near Rohtak shook Delhi within hours
• Nov 2023: Nepal-origin quake of 5.6 magnitude caused strong tremors in Delhi

Delhi’s densely packed construction and aging infrastructure in parts of the city increase its vulnerability. Experts say thousands of structures may not be compliant with earthquake-resistant building codes.

Emergency Protocols and Preparedness

Following the quake, authorities have called for:

• Building inspections in high-risk areas
• Earthquake drills in schools and offices
• Review of hospital emergency plans
• Upgrades to public transport safety systems

The NDRF’s “Earthquake Safety Guide” was also circulated, advising citizens to:

• Stay indoors during shaking, away from windows
• Use sturdy tables for cover
• Avoid elevators during or immediately after a tremor
• Keep a basic emergency kit at home

Disaster preparedness apps, such as the ‘BhooKamp Alert’ developed by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, saw a spike in downloads within hours of the tremor.

Public Voices Call for Better Safety Measures

While relief prevailed over the lack of casualties, many citizens expressed concern over the lack of visible preparedness in their buildings and societies.

“I’ve lived in Delhi for 20 years and we’ve had dozens of tremors,” said Siddharth Sinha, a resident of South Delhi. “But I’ve never seen an evacuation drill or any public safety training in my area.”

Citizen groups on social media are now pushing Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) to coordinate mock drills and collaborate with local authorities for safety briefings.

What This Means Going Forward

As Delhi-NCR continues to urbanize rapidly, the risk from moderate-to-severe seismic activity grows more urgent. Disaster management experts are calling for:

• Mandatory seismic certification for new constructions
• Retrofitting of vulnerable buildings, especially in central Delhi
• Public education campaigns on what to do during an earthquake
• Expansion of early-warning systems and seismic sensors

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is also reportedly reviewing updates to its earthquake-resistant construction codes in light of growing seismic activity across northern India.

Conclusion

The 4.4-magnitude earthquake that struck Jhajjar on July 10 served as a clear reminder of Delhi-NCR’s seismic vulnerability. While no damage or loss of life occurred, the incident brought daily life to a halt for thousands and reignited debates on urban preparedness.

Officials have reiterated the importance of staying alert, being prepared, and following safety protocols. With millions living in this high-risk zone, even a moderate quake is a call to action—not just to react—but to plan and prevent.