According to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) seismic zoning map, Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) fall in Zone IV, which is considered a high seismic risk zone.
New Delhi: Strong tremors were felt in Delhi and its adjoining areas at 5:36 am today. The National Centre for Seismology, the nodal agency of the Government of India for monitoring earthquake activity in the country, said in an update that tremors were felt across north India, with Delhi as the epicenter. The quake’s depth was just 5 km. Acting Delhi Chief Minister Atishi said a “strong earthquake just hit” Delhi and prayed that everyone was safe.
It is important to note that according to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) seismic zoning map, Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) fall in Zone IV, which is considered a high seismic risk zone. Zone IV signifies a higher likelihood of experiencing earthquakes with moderate to high levels of intensity.
Why is Delhi vulnerable to frequent tumors?
This categorisation is mainly due to Delhi’s geographical position and geological activities. The national capital is situated close to the Himalayan ranges, roughly between 200-300 kilometres. The formation of Himalayas is mainly due to the continual collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. This constant tectonic activity results in regular tremors, making the region an epicentre for recurring natural calamities like earthquakes and landslides.
Tremors typically result from the movement of tectonic plates in the earth’s uppermost crust. Increased activity in this layer raises the likelihood of earthquakes. The region’s seismic risk is largely due to its proximity to the Himalayan tectonic plate boundary, where the Indian plate collides with the Eurasian plate.
The collision is responsible for the significant seismic activity in northern India, including Delhi and its neighbouring areas.
According to government data, nearly 59 percent of India’s landmass is vulnerable to earthquakes of varying intensities. The country is divided into four seismic zones based on earthquake risk:
Zone V (11%) – Most active region
Zone IV (18%) – High risk (includes Delhi-NCR)
Zone III (30%) – Moderate risk
Zone II (41%) – Least active
