Moderate intensity earthquake jolts Delhi

An earthquake measuring 5.4 on the Richter scale jolted eastern Kashmir at 7.57 am today. The effects of the earthquake, which had its epicentre at India-China border, were felt in Delhi and NCR. No immediate reports of casualties or damage have been reported yet. Jammu and Kashmir has been witnessing several earthquakes since the last few days. The reason for devastating earthquakes to hit the Indian subcontinent is that the Indian plate is driving into Asia at a rate of approximately 47 mm per year.

Last month a massive earthquake, measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale, hit Pakistan’s Balochistan province. Mild tremors of this quake were felt in Delhi as well but even then no casualties were reported.

Recent Earthquakes to hit Delhi

The national capital falls in the siesmic zone-IV, which is known to be the most earthquake prone area after zone-V.

• In March 5, 2012, an earthquake measuring 4.9 on the Richter scale had its epicentre at Bahadurgarh. No casualties were reported.
• In September 7, 2011, an earthquake with its epicentre at Sonipat near Delhi measured 4.2 on the Richter scale.

Alerted by a spate of quakes in the recent past, the Delhi government has already started taking steps to protect the vulnerable monuments under the high risk seismic zone.

Predicting an earthquake is still a difficult job and globally the forecast of a quake has been negligible. The formation of the Earth Sciences Ministry by the UPA government is expected to increase the synergy between agencies making earthquake predictions leading to better forecasts.