Earthquake
On Thursday morning, mild earthquake tremors were felt in various parts of Uttar Pradesh, causing panic among residents. Districts including Agra, Sambhal, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddh Nagar experienced sudden shaking, prompting people to rush out of their homes and workplaces in fear.
According to the National Center for Seismology (NCS), the epicenter of the earthquake was located in Jhajjar district of Haryana. The quake measured 4.4 on the Richter scale and occurred at a shallow depth, making the tremors noticeable across a wider region. The tremors were reported around 9:07 AM, with many residents describing how their windows and doors began to rattle unexpectedly.
Update
In Sambhal, local residents said they felt the ground shake for a few seconds, enough to cause alarm. “I was having tea when suddenly the windows started vibrating and the ceiling fan moved. We immediately ran outside,” said one local resident. Similar scenes were reported from Ghaziabad and nearby areas where office-goers and school children were seen rushing outdoors.
Authorities have confirmed that no significant damage or casualties have been reported so far. However, precautionary checks are being carried out in residential buildings, schools, and commercial structures to ensure safety. Disaster management teams and local officials are also on alert in case of aftershocks or further developments.
Experts Opinion
Experts say that the region lies in seismic zone IV, which is considered moderately prone to earthquakes. While most tremors in the area are mild, the unpredictability of seismic activity means residents must remain aware and prepared. “Even though the magnitude was not very high, such events remind us about the importance of earthquake awareness and readiness,” said a geologist from the Indian Meteorological Department.
Social media platforms were flooded with people sharing their experiences. Some posted videos showing ceiling fans swaying and furniture moving slightly. Hashtags like #Earthquake and #UPTremors began trending soon after the incident.
Schools in affected areas conducted emergency evacuation drills following the tremors, as a safety measure. Some office buildings were also briefly evacuated before employees were allowed back inside after safety assessments.
The earthquake comes as a reminder of the importance of structural safety and awareness about what to do during such natural events. Experts advise that during an earthquake, one should drop to the ground, take cover under sturdy furniture, and hold on until the shaking stops. If outdoors, it is best to move away from buildings, trees, and power lines.
As of now, normalcy has returned in the affected districts, and authorities continue to monitor the situation. The incident has once again highlighted the need for preparedness and quick response mechanisms in urban and semi-urban areas prone to seismic activity.
