Moderate Earthquake of 5.4 Magnitude Rattles Delhi-NCR and Adjacent Regions

On The earthquake, which began close to the isolated village of Gandoh Bhalessa in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda region, struck around 1:33 p.m., according to authorities.

The National Centre for Seismology tweeted, "Earthquake of Magnitude:5.4, Occurred on 13-06-2023, 13:33:42 IST, Lat: 33.15 & Long: 75.82, Depth: 6 Km, Location: Doda, Jammu and Kashmir, India.", an earthquake measuring 5.4 on the Richter scale struck the National Capital Region (NCR), including Delhi and neighboring areas. The seismic event, which occurred at [Time], startled residents and caused brief moments of panic. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the earthquake, its impact, and the subsequent response from relevant authorities.

Occurrence and Magnitude:

At approximately, a moderate earthquake of 5.4 magnitude shook Delhi-NCR and its vicinity. The epicenter of the seismic activity was located. The Richter scale, a measurement tool commonly used to assess the magnitude of earthquakes, categorized this event as moderate.

Impact:

The earthquake triggered a wave of tremors, leading to a sudden jolt and subsequent vibrations felt across Delhi and its neighboring regions. Although the duration of the quake was relatively short, its intensity was sufficient to cause panic among residents. The effects were particularly noticeable in high-rise buildings, where swaying and shaking were observed. However, no immediate reports of severe damage to infrastructure or loss of life have been documented.

Response from Authorities:

Promptly following the earthquake, local authorities and emergency response teams were activated to assess the situation and provide immediate assistance, if required. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local law enforcement agencies promptly launched efforts to evaluate any potential damages and ensure the safety of citizens. These teams collaborated with the relevant departments to conduct detailed surveys of affected areas.

Public Safety Measures:

In response to the earthquake, citizens were advised to remain calm and stay indoors until any potential aftershocks had subsided. Authorities reiterated the importance of adhering to established safety protocols during such events, including taking cover under sturdy furniture, away from windows, and avoiding the use of elevators during the shaking.

Post-Earthquake Assessment:

Following the initial response, a comprehensive evaluation of the affected areas is underway to ascertain the full extent of the impact. Engineers and structural experts are conducting detailed inspections of buildings and critical infrastructure to identify any structural damage or vulnerabilities that may have arisen from the earthquake. This assessment will aid in formulating appropriate measures for repairs and reinforcement, as required.

Earthquake Preparedness:

The occurrence of this earthquake serves as a reminder of the importance of earthquake preparedness in highly populated regions such as Delhi-NCR. The incident underscores the need for regular drills, awareness campaigns, and the implementation of robust building codes and construction practices to enhance the resilience of structures.

Conclusion:

The 5.4-magnitude earthquake that jolted Delhi-NCR and its surrounding areas has sparked temporary panic among residents, but no major casualties or infrastructure damage have been reported thus far. The response from authorities has been swift, with teams actively engaged in assessing the situation and ensuring public safety. As the affected regions recover, this event underscores the importance of earthquake preparedness and proactive measures to mitigate the potential impact of future seismic events.