On the evening of February 17, 2025, a massive earthquake measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale struck northern India, sending powerful tremors through Delhi-NCR and several other regions, including Bihar. The quake, which occurred at approximately 7:20 PM local time, had its epicenter in Nepal, about 250 kilometers to the north of Delhi. Despite the earthquake’s considerable strength, initial reports indicate no major structural damage or fatalities, although the tremors caused widespread panic and fear.

Delhi-NCR Rocks with Tremors

In Delhi-NCR, the earthquake rattled buildings, offices, and homes, causing people to rush into the streets for safety. In areas like Connaught Place, Saket, and Noida, residents reported violent shaking that lasted for about 20-30 seconds. Many tall buildings swayed, while the tremors were strong enough to unsettle people in mid-workday, prompting evacuations of both residential and commercial buildings.

“It was terrifying,” said Arvind Sharma, a resident of Dwarka. “The building was shaking, and we were afraid it would collapse. We ran out immediately, along with our neighbors. There was chaos on the roads as people scrambled to get out of the area.”

In the heart of Delhi, office workers and shoppers in malls experienced a sudden, unnerving jolt, prompting people to leave their workplaces. The Delhi Metro service was briefly halted as a precautionary measure, while traffic came to a halt as people abandoned their vehicles to seek open spaces. Many reported feeling shaken, as the tremors were strong enough to make it difficult to maintain balance.

The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) swiftly activated emergency procedures, and local authorities ensured that rescue teams were on standby. Fortunately, no major casualties have been reported in Delhi, but the rapid response showed how prepared the city was in dealing with such events.

Bihar Experiences Intense Shaking

Bihar, particularly Patna and Muzaffarpur, also felt the brunt of the earthquake. In Patna, residents experienced strong tremors that left many rushing out of their homes and offices. People described feeling the earth move beneath them, creating widespread fear across the region. Some older buildings in the state showed signs of cracking, but there have been no immediate reports of major structural damage or casualties.

“I was sitting in my office when the walls started shaking,” said Sandeep Kumar, a resident of Patna. “We evacuated the building immediately. It was hard to stay calm, and everyone was panicked.”

The tremors were felt across several districts in Bihar, including Bhagalpur and Darbhanga, though like Delhi, the damage was relatively minor. No major infrastructure collapse has been reported in the state.

Tremors Felt in Other Parts of Northern India

The earthquake’s impact extended well beyond Delhi and Bihar. Tremors were reported in neighboring states like Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab. In cities like Lucknow, Agra, and Chandigarh, residents also felt the ground shake, but no major damage has been confirmed.

The widespread nature of the quake’s impact demonstrates the reach of seismic activity across northern India. The Himalayan region, where the tectonic plates converge, remains highly susceptible to earthquakes, especially in the northern and northeastern parts of India.

Aftershocks and Ongoing Vigilance

Experts have warned that aftershocks are possible in the coming hours and days. While the initial quake was powerful, experts believe the worst has passed for now. The National Seismological Centre (NSC) has confirmed that the epicenter was located in Nepal, a region known for its seismic activity due to the convergence of tectonic plates beneath the Himalayas.

Dr. R. K. Sharma, a senior seismologist with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), reassured the public, stating that while aftershocks are likely, the earthquake’s strength was not as severe as some past tremors that have impacted the region. Authorities have urged people to stay vigilant and to follow safety measures.

Preparedness and Future Measures

As northern India recovers from the shock of this earthquake, experts continue to emphasize the importance of preparedness. Though modern buildings in urban centers like Delhi are built to withstand earthquakes, older infrastructure remains vulnerable. Authorities have called for better enforcement of building codes and public education on disaster preparedness.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) remains on high alert, working with local authorities to monitor the aftermath and ensure that any necessary relief efforts are swiftly implemented.

As residents of Delhi, Bihar, and other affected areas await any further developments, the massive earthquake has once again highlighted the region’s vulnerability to seismic activity, urging ongoing vigilance and preparedness for the future.

Published: 17th February 2025

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