Earthquake of 3.2 Magnitude Shakes Faridabad, Haryana.

Earthquake of 3.2 Magnitude Shakes Faridabad, Haryana.

A mild earthquake measuring 3.2 on the Richter scale jolted Faridabad, Haryana, early on Tuesday morning, sending a brief wave of panic among residents. The tremor occurred at around 6:00 a.m. IST at a shallow depth of just 5 kilometres, making it more noticeable in the surrounding areas. Although there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries, many locals reported feeling a light shake strong enough to wake them. Authorities have urged people to stay calm and assured that they are closely monitoring the situation for any aftershocks.

Delhi-NCR region. The tremor, which occurred at exactly 6:00 a.m. IST, was recorded at a shallow depth of 5 kilometres, making it noticeable to many early risers in the region. While there were no immediate reports of damage or casualties, the quake has added to growing unease among residents following a series of similar seismic events in recent weeks.

According to data from the National Centre for Seismology (NCS), the earthquake’s epicenter was located at latitude 28.29°N and longitude 77.21°E, near the heart of Faridabad.

A Morning Jolt

Many residents in Faridabad and surrounding areas such as Delhi, Gurugram, and Noida reported feeling a light tremor that briefly rattled windows and stirred sleeping families. While the quake lasted only a few seconds, it was enough to trigger anxiety among those who have been closely monitoring the region’s increasing seismic activity.

“I was up for my morning walk when I felt a sudden shake. It was brief but unnerving,” said Meena Sharma, a resident of Sector 21C, Faridabad. “We’ve heard of several earthquakes in the past few weeks. It’s hard not to worry.”

Others echoed similar sentiments, especially as the region has experienced a noticeable increase in low- to moderate-intensity earthquakes lately.

A Pattern of Tremors in Recent Weeks

This morning’s tremor is the latest in a string of seismic events to jolt the Delhi-NCR belt. That quake had its epicenter at 28.64°N latitude and 76.75°E longitude, sparking similar discussions around regional preparedness and earthquake safety.

Earlier this month, on July 10 and 11, the same Jhajjar area witnessed a pair of stronger earthquakes, measuring 4.4 and 3.7 on the Richter scale. These tremors were widely felt across key NCR cities, including Delhi, Gurugram, Rohtak, Noida, and Ghaziabad, and even led to brief evacuations from office buildings and high-rises in parts of the capital.

Although none of these earthquakes caused major damage or loss of life, their frequency and widespread impact have led to increased concern from both experts and the public.

Why the Delhi-NCR Region Is Seismically Sensitive

Delhi and its adjoining areas lie near multiple active geological fault lines, making the region particularly vulnerable to seismic activity. These include:

• The Mahendragarh–Dehradun Fault
• The Delhi–Haridwar Ridge
• The Delhi–Sargodha Ridge

Experts have long warned that even mild to moderate earthquakes can have serious implications in densely populated urban zones, where unplanned development, aging infrastructure, and lack of preparedness can compound the impact.

According to seismologist Dr. Anil Rawat, “The region’s geology makes it prone to frequent low-magnitude earthquakes. These may not cause damage now, but they are signs of underlying tectonic stress that could lead to a stronger event in the future.”

Government and Public Response

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and state disaster response teams are continuing to monitor seismic data and reinforce awareness campaigns across Delhi-NCR.

“Preparedness is key. We urge citizens not to panic but to stay informed about earthquake safety practices — such as identifying safe zones in their homes, preparing emergency kits, and participating in community drills,” an official from Haryana’s Disaster Management Department said.

Schools and offices in the affected areas continued operations as normal on Tuesday, although several institutions conducted mock evacuation drills later in the day as a precautionary step.

A Wake-Up Call?

As tremors become more frequent, people are beginning to take preparedness more seriously. Real estate developers and local authorities are also being urged to enforce building codes that ensure earthquake resistance, especially in high-rise construction.

“It’s not just about survival, it’s about readiness,” said Vikram Joshi, a civil engineer based in Gurugram. “We’re building taller and denser, but we need to build smarter and safer too.”

The Road Ahead

While Tuesday’s quake did not bring destruction, it did bring a reminder: Delhi-NCR, though not traditionally viewed as a major quake-prone zone like the Himalayas, is still vulnerable. And as seismic activity inches upward, the region can no longer afford complacency.

Residents are encouraged to follow updates from the National Centre for Seismology, practice safety drills, and remain aware — because nature rarely gives second chances, but preparedness often makes the first one count.