New Delhi, Jan 19: A mild earthquake with a magnitude of 2.8 on the Richter scale hit New Delhi on Monday morning, sending brief tremors through parts of the national capital.
According to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS), the earthquake struck at around 8:44 a.m. with its epicenter located in North Delhi at a shallow depth of 5 kilometers. Fortunately, there have been no immediate reports of casualties or property damage, and the tremors were described as mild.
However, the incident serves as a reminder of Delhi’s vulnerability to seismic activity due to its position near several active fault lines. In an official statement, the NCS provided detailed information on the event, noting: “EQ of M: 2.8, On: 19/01/2026 08:44:16 IST, Lat: 28.86 N, Long: 77.06 E, Depth: 5 Km, Location: North Delhi, Delhi.”
Delhi and the surrounding National Capital Region (NCR) are situated close to several fault lines, where tectonic plates meet and can shift, making the region prone to low- to moderate-intensity earthquakes. Experts have long warned that even mild tremors should not be dismissed, as they are a reminder of the seismic risks faced by the densely populated capital.
Geological conditions, particularly in the eastern parts of Delhi along the Yamuna floodplains, further increase the risk. These areas are composed of thick deposits of soft, sandy, and silty soil, with groundwater often found close to the surface. Such soil types can amplify seismic waves, raising the potential for structural damage, particularly during stronger earthquakes.
India’s seismic zoning system was revised in 2025, expanding the classification to six zones based on earthquake risk. Delhi remains in Zone IV, which includes regions with high seismic activity. The neighbouring states of Uttar Pradesh, including cities like Bulandshahr, Ghaziabad, and Gorakhpur, also fall within Zone IV, highlighting the broader seismic vulnerability of northern India.
In a related incident, a stronger earthquake measuring 5.7 struck Bangladesh's Narsingdi district in November 2025, with tremors felt across parts of eastern India, including Kolkata, underscoring the interconnected seismic activity in the region.
