New Delhi [India], February 17: Union Minister Jitendra Singh reassured the public on Monday that authorities and professional experts are closely monitoring the situation following earthquake tremors felt in New Delhi. Singh urged residents to remain calm and take necessary precautions in case of possible aftershocks.
In a post shared on social media platform X, the Union Minister wrote, “Following the Earthquake tremors felt this morning in and around Delhi at about 5:36 AM, the authorities are keeping a close watch, and professional experts, as well as officials from the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), are constantly monitoring. However, it is advised to stay calm and exercise safety precautions and preparedness for possible aftershocks, if any.”
Singh further mentioned that regular updates would be provided through official communication channels and social media platforms.
The earthquake, with a magnitude of 4.0, originated 5 km below the Earth’s surface. At the epicenter in Dhaula Kuan, a 20-25-year-old tree was uprooted at Jheel Park. Caretaker Mahaveer, reporting for duty at 9 AM, confirmed the uprooted tree, attributing the damage to the earthquake, as no other natural events, such as wind or thunderstorms, were reported. Another caretaker, Janki Devi, also mentioned the strong tremors felt around 5:30 AM, followed by the discovery of the fallen tree.
Dr. OP Mishra, Director of the National Centre for Seismology (NCS), reassured residents of Delhi, stating that there is no need to panic as aftershocks of lesser magnitude are “natural” following an earthquake of magnitude 4.0 and would subside with time.