Strong Earthquake Tremors Shake Delhi-NCR and Northern India, Including Bihar
On the evening of February 17, 2025, a powerful earthquake sent strong tremors through Delhi-NCR and several parts of northern India, including Bihar. The earthquake, which struck at approximately 7:20 PM local time, had a magnitude of 6.8 on the Richter scale. Its epicenter was located in Nepal, about 250 kilometers to the north of Delhi, but its impact was felt widely across the region, leaving many residents startled and scrambling for safety.
Panic Grips Delhi-NCR
In Delhi, the tremors were felt strongly in several key areas, including Connaught Place, Saket, and Greater Noida. Buildings swayed for nearly 20 seconds, sending office workers, residents, and commuters rushing outside into open spaces. Many described the feeling as unnerving, with some buildings displaying minor cracks and structural shifts. The capital’s busy streets came to a standstill, and the metro services were briefly halted to ensure the safety of passengers.
“I was sitting in my office when I suddenly felt the ground shake. We could see the walls and windows shaking violently. Everyone rushed out of the building immediately,” said Priya Mehta, a resident of South Delhi.
The local authorities, including the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), quickly mobilized emergency services to assess the situation. Firefighters, police, and medical teams were dispatched to monitor any damages and respond to potential emergencies. While no major injuries have been reported in Delhi, there were widespread reports of panic, and many people gathered in open spaces as a safety precaution.
Impact in Bihar and Surrounding States
The tremors were also strongly felt in Bihar, especially in cities like Patna, Muzaffarpur, and Bhagalpur. In Patna, the earthquake caused significant alarm, with many residents abandoning their homes and offices in search of open spaces. Reports from the region suggest that some old buildings experienced minor structural damage, including cracks in walls and ceilings. However, there have been no confirmed fatalities or significant damage in the state as of now.
“We were in the middle of a meeting when the tremors hit. It was like the entire building was swaying. We had to evacuate immediately,” said Rajeev Singh, a business owner in Patna. “We didn’t know what was happening at first, but now it’s clear it was an earthquake.”
The tremors were also felt in parts of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, and even parts of Rajasthan, extending the widespread impact of the seismic event. In many of these areas, the earthquake caused no major damage but left people shaken, particularly those in high-rise buildings.
Aftershocks Expected
Seismologists have warned that aftershocks are likely to follow in the coming hours and days, urging residents to stay alert. The National Seismological Centre (NSC) confirmed that the epicenter of the earthquake was in Nepal, a region known for seismic activity due to its position along the converging tectonic plates of the Himalayas. Experts emphasize that while the initial tremors were strong, the damage could have been far worse if the earthquake had been closer to densely populated areas.
“The earthquake’s magnitude was significant, but it could have been more destructive if it had hit closer to the region. We are monitoring for aftershocks,” said Dr. R. K. Sharma, a senior seismologist with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).
Preparedness and Safety Measures
India, particularly the northern region, lies in a seismically active zone, making it prone to earthquakes. The government and local authorities have been stressing the importance of earthquake preparedness, urging residents to take safety measures such as securing heavy furniture and knowing how to evacuate safely.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has activated its emergency response systems, and authorities are continuing to monitor the situation closely. “We are closely working with local agencies to ensure that any affected areas receive immediate attention,” said an NDMA spokesperson.
As night fell over northern India, residents remained on edge, waiting for updates and hoping that there would be no further aftershocks. While the earthquake caused temporary panic, the resilience of the communities in these regions has been evident, with many returning to their homes cautiously after the initial tremors subsided.
Published: 17th February 2025
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