New Delhi, 11 July : The National Capital Region (NCR) was shaken by its second significant earthquake within 36 hours, prompting heightened alert levels across North India. The latest tremor struck in the early hours of Thursday, with both seismic events tracing their epicenters to Haryana’s Jhajjar district. The back-to-back earthquakes have triggered concerns among residents and officials alike, raising the probability of a major quake in the near future.

According to the National Centre for Seismology, the first tremor was recorded at 10:43 PM on Tuesday, registering a magnitude of 4.4 on the Richter scale. The second, stronger tremor occurred around 3:27 AM on Thursday, with a magnitude of 5.1. Both originated at shallow depths, making their effects more noticeable and widespread across Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, and parts of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.

Panic gripped the region as residents rushed out of their homes during the pre-dawn tremor. “The entire building shook for a few seconds. I grabbed my children and ran outside,” said Sunita Mehra, a resident of West Delhi. Similar scenes were reported from various neighborhoods where people gathered in open areas, fearing aftershocks.

Disaster management authorities have stepped up preparedness efforts. “We are actively monitoring the seismic activity in the Jhajjar region. Emergency protocols are in place, and all district collectors have been instructed to remain vigilant,” said Rajesh Verma, Joint Secretary of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

Experts warn that the clustering of tremors in the region could be a precursor to larger seismic activity. “The Indo-Gangetic Plain, especially areas near the Delhi-Haryana border, lies in seismic zone IV, which is highly prone to earthquakes,” explained Dr. Nirmal Singh, a senior seismologist at the Indian Institute of Geosciences. “While such swarms of minor to moderate earthquakes are not uncommon, they do elevate the probability of a stronger event.”

Infrastructure audits have been ordered across critical government buildings, hospitals, schools, and residential complexes in Delhi and neighboring states. “Our primary focus is on public safety. We’ve instructed all local bodies to conduct structural checks and ensure emergency kits and evacuation plans are ready,” said a senior Delhi government official.

Social media platforms have been flooded with reports, videos, and personal accounts of the tremors. Hashtags like #DelhiEarthquake and #NCRQuake trended nationwide, with netizens expressing both concern and solidarity.

In the wake of these developments, citizens are advised to remain cautious and follow basic earthquake safety protocols. These include avoiding elevators, securing heavy furniture, and having emergency kits prepared at home.

As the region waits in anxious anticipation, authorities continue to appeal for calm and cooperation. The NDMA has reiterated that while preparedness is crucial, spreading misinformation or panic can be more damaging than the natural disaster itself.

The coming days will be critical, as scientists, rescue teams, and government agencies collaborate to monitor and respond to any further seismic activity.