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Mild 2.8 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Delhi, No Damage Reported

A mild 2.8 magnitude earthquake struck North Delhi, causing brief tremors but no immediate damage. The National Centre for Seismology reported the shallow-depth tremor occurred at 8:44 AM. The event underscores Delhi's vulnerability due to its location near active fault lines and its classification in high-risk Seismic Zone IV. Experts warn that the region's soft soil conditions, especially near the Yamuna, can amplify seismic waves from stronger quakes.

Key Points: Delhi Earthquake: 2.8 Magnitude Tremor Hits Capital

  • 2.8 magnitude tremor at 8:44 AM
  • Epicentre in North Delhi at 5 km depth
  • No casualties or property damage reported
  • Delhi remains in high-risk Seismic Zone IV
2 min read

2.8-magnitude earthquake hits Delhi, no damage reported

A 2.8 magnitude earthquake struck North Delhi. No damage reported, but the event highlights the city's high seismic risk in Zone IV.

"EQ of M: 2.8, On: 19/01/2026 08:44:16 IST, Lat: 28.86 N, Long: 77.06 E, Depth: 5 Km, Location: North Delhi, Delhi. - National Centre for Seismology"

New Delhi, Jan 19

A mild earthquake measuring 2.8 on the Richter scale struck New Delhi on Monday morning, causing brief tremors across parts of the national capital.

According to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS), the earthquake occurred at around 8:44 a.m., with its epicentre located in North Delhi at a shallow depth of 5 kilometres.

There were no immediate reports of casualties or property damage, and the tremors were described as mild in nature. However, the incident once again highlighted Delhi's vulnerability to seismic activity due to its geological setting.

The NCS provided detailed information about the seismic event in an official statement, saying, "EQ of M: 2.8, On: 19/01/2026 08:44:16 IST, Lat: 28.86 N, Long: 77.06 E, Depth: 5 Km, Location: North Delhi, Delhi."

Delhi and the surrounding National Capital Region (NCR) lie close to several active fault lines, which are geological fractures where tectonic plates meet and shift.

These fault lines make the region prone to frequent low- to moderate-intensity earthquakes.

Experts have long warned that even mild tremors should not be ignored, as they serve as reminders of the seismic risks faced by the densely populated capital.

Geological conditions further add to the risk, particularly in the eastern parts of Delhi along the Yamuna floodplains.

These areas are characterised by thick deposits of soft, sandy and silty soil, with groundwater often located close to the surface. Such soil conditions can amplify seismic waves during an earthquake, increasing the potential for structural damage, especially in the case of a stronger tremor.

India's seismic zoning system was updated in 2025, expanding the classification to six zones based on earthquake susceptibility.

The zones now range from Zone II, considered the least active, to Zone VI, categorised as the most seismically active. Delhi continues to remain in Zone IV, placing it among high-risk regions.

Several cities in neighbouring Uttar Pradesh, including Bulandshahr, Deoria, Ghaziabad, Gorakhpur, Moradabad and Pilibhit, are also classified under Zone IV, underscoring the broader seismic vulnerability of northern India.

Earlier, in November 2025, a stronger earthquake measuring 5.7 struck Bangladesh's Narsingdi district, with tremors felt across parts of eastern India, including Kolkata, highlighting the region's interconnected seismic activity.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
In Noida, didn't feel a thing. But the article is right, we ignore these warnings. Look at the building quality in Delhi-NCR, especially the new high-rises. Are they really earthquake-resistant? Authorities need stricter enforcement. 🇮🇳
D
David E
Interesting data from the NCS. The shallow depth (5km) explains why it was felt despite the low magnitude. The geological details about the Yamuna floodplains are concerning. Urban planning needs to integrate this seismic risk data more seriously.
A
Aman W
Bhagwan ka shukr hai koi nuksaan nahi hua. But yeh choti choti jhatke bade khatre ki ghanti hain. Hamare yahan earthquake drills bilkul nahi hote. Schools aur offices mein regular practice honi chahiye. Jai Hind!
S
Sarah B
The updated zoning system is a good step. But public awareness is key. Most people in my apartment complex in Gurgaon don't even know we're in Zone IV. Simple preparedness kits and information campaigns could save lives.
V
Vikram M
It's nature's way of reminding us who's boss. On a serious note, the connection to the Bangladesh quake last year shows it's a regional tectonic issue. Cooperation on early warning systems with neighbours would benefit everyone.

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