A magnitude 4.0 earthquake jolted Delhi, with residents reporting a loud “boom” sound. Experts explain why shallow-focus earthquakes generate such noises and why Delhi remains prone to seismic activity.
Loud “Boom” Heard as 4.0 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Delhi: What Was It?
Delhi Experiences Strong Tremors, Residents Report Mysterious Sound
New Delhi: A strong earthquake measuring 4.0 on the Richter scale shook Delhi and its adjoining areas this morning, triggering momentary panic among residents. According to the National Centre of Seismology (NCS), the tremors originated from a depth of 5 km, classifying it as a shallow-focus earthquake. While no casualties or injuries were reported, many residents were startled by a mysterious loud “boom” that accompanied the tremors.
What Was the Loud Sound?
Seismic experts explain that the booming noise often associated with shallow earthquakes is a result of high-frequency seismic waves. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), when earthquakes occur close to the surface, they generate short-period seismic waves that travel through the ground and into the air, producing an audible rumbling or booming sound. The shallower the epicenter, the more pronounced this effect becomes.
Interestingly, in some cases, such booming sounds can be heard even when no tremors are felt, adding to the mystery of seismic activity.
Why is Delhi Prone to Earthquakes?
Delhi is classified under Seismic Zone IV, making it one of the most earthquake-prone regions in India, according to the Delhi Disaster Management Authority. The region frequently experiences moderate to strong earthquakes, typically ranging between 5-6 magnitude, though tremors as strong as 7-8 magnitude have been recorded in the past.
The seismic activity in Delhi and North India is primarily due to the collision between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. These plates exert immense pressure on one another, gradually storing energy like a compressed spring. When the pressure becomes too great, the plate margins slip and release energy, triggering an earthquake.
Epicenter and Past Earthquakes in Delhi
Today’s earthquake originated from Dhaula Kuan, an area that has experienced frequent low-intensity earthquakes over the years. In 2015, a 3.3 magnitude earthquake was recorded in the same region. Experts caution that while today’s tremor was relatively mild, Delhi remains vulnerable to larger and more destructive earthquakes.
Residents Share Their Experiences
The sudden jolt sent waves of panic across the city, with many people taking to social media to share their experiences.
- A passenger at New Delhi Railway Station described the tremors as feeling like a “bridge collapse”, causing commuters to rush out of the waiting lounge in fear.
- Another resident compared the experience to a train passing nearby, describing how furniture and household items trembled during the quake.
- CCTV footage from several locations in Delhi captured pipes, wires, and structures swaying, confirming the intensity of the tremors.