4.0 Magnitude Earthquake Jolts Delhi-NCR: Latest Updates & Expert Warnings
4.0 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Delhi-NCR, Minor Tremors Reported Across Eastern India
A mild 4.0-magnitude earthquake rattled Delhi-NCR in the early hours of Monday, sending shockwaves across the region. Following this, a series of minor tremors were recorded in Bihar, Odisha, and Sikkim. While no casualties or property damage were reported due to the low intensity, the seismic activity has once again drawn attention to the looming threat of the Great Himalayan Earthquake.
Experts Warn of a Major Himalayan Quake
Seismologists have long warned about an impending high-magnitude earthquake in the eco-sensitive Himalayan region. Since the 2015 Nepal Earthquake, experts have predicted that a massive quake of magnitude 8 or higher could strike the Himalayan belt, severely impacting the Gangetic plain.
Renowned geophysicist Roger Bilham has emphasized that it’s not a matter of “if” but “when” the next major earthquake will hit. In an interview with the Times of India, Bilham explained that the Himalayas experience large earthquakes every few hundred years, with historical records showing tremors as strong as 8.7 magnitude over the last 2,000 years.
However, in the last 70 years, the region has not experienced a quake above magnitude 8.0. For context, the 2015 Nepal earthquake measured 7.8 on the Richter scale, killing 9,000 people and devastating parts of Kathmandu.
When Will the ‘Big One’ Strike?
The Himalayan earthquakes are caused by the Indian Plate colliding with the Eurasian Plate, creating immense geological strain. According to experts, only a major earthquake can relieve this built-up pressure.
In a 2018 study, Indian researchers predicted that the next mega earthquake could strike the region between Dehradun and western Nepal. Scientists at the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) in Bengaluru have analyzed past earthquakes in India and neighboring countries, indicating a significant tectonic build-up in the region.
Is Delhi Prepared for a Major Earthquake?
According to a 2019 report by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Delhi falls under Zone IV on India’s seismic risk map, indicating a high earthquake hazard. The city’s vulnerability is due to the Delhi-Hardwar Ridge, which extends under the Ganga Basin and increases seismic risks. Major Indian cities from Delhi to Shimla remain highly susceptible to earthquakes.
Why the Next Himalayan Earthquake Could Be Catastrophic
Seismologists warn that a large-scale earthquake in the Himalayas would be particularly devastating because of its land-based epicenter. Unlike ocean-based earthquakes, which may dissipate some energy in water, a Himalayan quake would directly impact densely populated regions. This puts over 300 million people at risk.
Additionally, urban infrastructure in India is highly vulnerable to seismic shocks. Experts fear that many high-rise buildings in major cities lack earthquake-resistant structures, increasing the potential for massive destruction.
With growing concerns about seismic activity in the Himalayan belt, preparedness and disaster management have never been more critical. Authorities urge residents to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions to minimize risks in the event of a high-intensity earthquake.