Delhi Earthquake: The Mystery of Rumbling Sounds

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

Many people heard rumbling sounds during the Delhi earthquake.
The epicenter of the earthquake was in Delhi, quite deep below ground.
Hearing sounds in shallow earthquakes is common.
PM Modi urged people to stay calm and vigilant.
Delhi is located in earthquake-prone Zone IV.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

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A magnitude 4.0 earthquake struck Delhi and its surrounding National Capital Region (NCR) on Monday, February 17, 2025, at approximately 5:36 AM. Many people heard rumbling sounds during this Delhi earthquake, causing concern. What is the mystery behind these sounds?

Earthquake Epicenter and Depth

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The earthquake’s epicenter was located in Delhi itself, at a shallow depth of only 5 kilometers. This shallow origin likely intensified the tremors felt across the region. The National Centre for Seismology (NCS) confirmed the earthquake’s parameters, reporting the epicenter’s coordinates as 28.59 N latitude and 77.16 E longitude.

Reason for the Rumbling Sounds

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Many residents reported hearing rumbling sounds during the earthquake. These sounds are often associated with shallow-focus earthquakes. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), during earthquakes, the ground vibrates, creating short-period seismic wave motion that reaches the air and becomes sound waves. The first waves produced by an earthquake are P waves, which are like sound waves and can induce vibrations of the atmosphere.

Shallow Earthquakes and Sound

The shallower the epicenter, the more energy that can reach the surface. High-frequency seismic waves pass through the ground, sometimes creating audible sounds. Hard ground also tends to amplify rumbling. This is why people heard loud noises during the Delhi earthquake.

Leaders’ and Experts’ Opinions

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the situation, urging citizens to remain calm and stay vigilant. In a statement on X, PM Modi said that authorities were closely monitoring the situation and advised people to follow safety protocols in preparation for potential aftershocks.

Experts have noted that shallow earthquakes, originating just a few kilometers below the surface, tend to be more intense than deeper ones. While there were no immediate reports of damage or casualties, the earthquake serves as a reminder of the region’s vulnerability to seismic activity.

Delhi’s Seismic Situation

Delhi falls under Zone IV of India’s seismic map, indicating a history of moderate earthquakes. The city often experiences tremors from earthquakes originating in the Himalayas, Afghanistan, or China. The earthquake this morning was not severe, but it points to the region’s vulnerability to seismic activity. In January 2025, light tremors were felt in Delhi/NCR following a 7.1 magnitude quake in Tibet’s Xizang area.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember