Strong earthquake tremors were felt across Delhi-NCR, Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, and other parts of North India early on April 4, 2026 (Saturday morning). The tremors originated from a 5.9 magnitude earthquake that struck near Afghanistan.
Key Details:
- Magnitude: 5.9 on the Richter scale (initially reported as 5.1, later updated).
- Epicentre: Near Afghanistan (tremors propagated to northwestern India).
- Time: Around 9:42 AM IST or earlier in the morning (reports mention shaking starting in the early hours).
- Impact in India: Mild to moderate shaking in Delhi-NCR (including areas like Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad), Punjab, Haryana, and stronger in Jammu & Kashmir (e.g., Srinagar, Udhampur). Residents reported brief panic, with many rushing out of homes and buildings. The tremors lasted about 15–30 seconds in affected areas.
No casualties or major damage have been reported in Delhi-NCR so far. Authorities, including the National Centre for Seismology (NCS), are monitoring the situation for aftershocks. Delhi falls in Seismic Zone IV, which is prone to moderate earthquakes, so even distant tremors can be felt noticeably due to the region's geology.
Resident Reactions:
Many people in Delhi-NCR described the shaking as "quick" or "mild but alarming," with some comparing it to earlier minor quakes. Social media was flooded with reactions, videos of people evacuating buildings, and memes. In some videos, locals shared that they felt the ground shake and immediately stepped outside as a precaution.
This event follows other recent low-to-moderate tremors in the Delhi region (such as a 4.4 magnitude quake on April 3 or earlier mild ones in January–March 2026), but today's tremors were linked to the stronger Afghan quake.
Advice from Authorities:
- Stay calm and follow earthquake safety protocols (Drop, Cover, Hold On).
- Avoid spreading unverified information.
- Keep emergency kits ready, as Delhi-NCR can experience such events occasionally.
For real-time updates, check official sources like the National Centre for Seismology (NCS) or India Meteorological Department. No tsunami warning applies here, as this was a land-based regional quake.
If you're in the affected area, share your experience safely — hope everyone is okay!