Himalayan threat: A mega-earthquake could shake Delhi to its core
Produced by: Manoj Kumar
Delhi's High Risk
Sitting in Seismic Zone IV, Delhi is at high risk for earthquakes, with multiple local fault lines increasing the danger.
Himalayan Threat
A magnitude 8+ earthquake in the Himalayas could severely impact Delhi due to its proximity (250-300 km).
Representative pic
Weak Buildings
Many new high-rises aren't earthquake-resistant, and heavy glass structures in Gurugram could be particularly hazardous.
History Repeats?
Delhi has felt major quakes before—notably in 1720, 1803, and the 1960s—causing severe damage.
High-Risk Zones
Areas like Yamuna flood plains, East Delhi, Delhi University, and the airport are especially vulnerable.
Growing Activity
In just six months of 2020, Delhi-NCR recorded 135 tremors, signaling increasing seismic stress.
Ground Instability
Delhi's alluvial soil composition can amplify tremors, worsening damage during a quake.
It's Inevitable
Experts warn a large quake is not a matter of "if" but "when," making preparedness crucial.
Urgent Action Needed
Stronger building codes, retrofitting, and public awareness can reduce disaster risks before it's too late.