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Residents of Delhi and the NCR, as well as parts of North India experienced strong earthquakes on Friday evening after an earthquake of magnitude 5.9 hit Afghanistan.
Initial reports suggest that the earthquakes took place around 9:50 pm. Residents in high-rises and residential areas felt the tremors for a short time. Many residents left their workplaces and homes as a precaution.
The impact of the earthquake was felt by many areas in northern India, including Delhi and Noida as well as Jammu and Kashmir (including Poonch and Srinagar). Pakistan was also reported to have experienced tremors. Islamabad and Peshawar, as well as areas in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were included.
Residents Panic
Eyewitnesses described the tremors as being strong enough and abrupt to create panic and confusion. Residents of a multi-story building reported that furniture and household goods were briefly shaken.
A strong shock lasted for a couple of moments. Baldev Chand is a resident of a 2nd-floor apartment.
Many people from Delhi and the NCR shared their stories on social media. Many people claimed to have heard windows, doors and ceiling fans rattle. As offices and housing societies announced temporary evacuations, people gathered in public areas.
No Immediate Reports
No reports of casualties or damages have yet been received. Authorities are monitoring the situation and making assessments.
In the case of an aftershock, officials of disaster management teams urged citizens to remain calm and adhere to safety protocols. Emergency services remain on alert, despite no significant incidents being reported.
The Seismic Epicenter
The earthquake is thought to have originated in Afghanistan. Seismic activity is common in this region which sits along the active boundaries of tectonic plate boundaries. Authorities have not yet confirmed the exact epicenter or depth of this earthquake.
Experts note that due to the connection between geology and earthquakes, they often cause shockwaves in neighboring countries, such as North India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
Tremors Felt Across Borders
The tremors were not limited to India. Pakistani media confirmed the mild-to-moderate shaking in several cities, including Islamabad and Peshawar. These cities’ residents reported experiencing a brief panic. The people stepped outside their homes to escape the shaking.
Authorities Urge Caution
The authorities warned the public to remain alert in case of an aftershock. Authorities have warned citizens not to use elevators during such situations, and to move into an open space if they experience tremors.
Disaster management agencies also stress the importance of being prepared for earthquakes in particular areas that are prone to seismic activity.
It is comforting to know that no casualties have been reported or any damage has occurred, even though this earthquake caused concern throughout North India and its surrounding areas. The officials are monitoring the situation closely and will update the public as soon as they have new information about the epicenter or its effects.
