5.8-magnitude earthquake jolts Pakistan, tremors felt in Delhi-NCR
A 5.8 magnitude earthquake struck Pakistan on Wednesday, with tremors being felt across India, including the Delhi-NCR region, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, and Jammu and Kashmir. The epicenter was located 25km southwest of Karor in Pakistan, at a depth of 33km as per the National Center for Seismology (NCS). Even Afghanistan experienced tremors.
Delhi's seismic vulnerability highlighted by recent tremors
However, no casualties or property damage have been reported so far. This is the second time in two weeks that Delhi and its neighboring regions have experienced mild tremors. Previously on August 29, an earthquake of magnitude 5.7 struck Afghanistan at a depth of 255km below the Earth's surface. Videos shared on social media during Wednesday's quake showed ceiling fans, chairs, and other objects shaking for a few seconds.
Delhi's seismic zone classification and potential risk
Delhi's geographical location places it in an active seismic zone due to its proximity to the Himalayas. India is divided into four seismic zones, with Zone V being the most seismically active. Delhi is located in Zone IV, which has quite strong seismicity, with the general occurrence of earthquakes of magnitude 5-6, a few of magnitude 6-7, and occasionally of magnitude 7-8.
