Earthquake Tremors Felt in Northern India, Including Haryana and Punjab

In a seismic event that rattled northern India, including Haryana, Punjab, and Chandigarh, earthquake tremors were felt around 2:50 PM. The quake measured 6.1 on the Richter scale, with its epicentre reported in Faizabad, Afghanistan, according to the National Center for Seismology (NCS). The quake's depth was recorded at 220 km. The intensity of the tremors in Afghanistan was such that its impact extended beyond Pakistan, reaching northern parts of India.

While the seismic activity lasted only a few seconds, it generated an atmosphere of fear among the people. However, as of now, there are no reports of damage to buildings or harm to individuals.This incident follows a previous earthquake in Haryana on December 20, 2023, with a magnitude of 3.0 on the Richter scale, centred around Panipat.

Notably, September 2023 witnessed two earthquakes in a single day in Haryana. The first struck at 12:27 AM in Polangi village with a magnitude of 2.6, followed by another tremor at 1:44 AM in Aasan village with a magnitude of 2.7. This rapid sequence of seismic events caused heightened concerns among the residents.

Earthquake preparedness remains crucial in the region, emphasising the construction of quake-resistant structures. Constructing buildings with earthquake-resistant materials and ensuring proper soil testing before construction are imperative measures to mitigate potential risks associated with seismic activities.

The recent seismic events serve as a reminder of the seismic vulnerability of the region, prompting a reevaluation of earthquake-resistant infrastructure and public awareness campaigns on safety measures during such incidents.