Delhi Earthquake Causes Tree to Uproot at Dhaula Kuan’s Jheel Park
A 4.0-magnitude earthquake struck Delhi early Monday morning, with its epicentre located at Dhaula Kuan, causing a 25-year-old tree in Jheel Park to be uprooted. The seismic activity, which hit the national capital at 5:36 am, caught the attention of park caretakers, who believe the earthquake was the sole cause of the tree’s sudden fall.
The park, known for its serene environment and lush green space, witnessed a surprising sight when caretakers arrived at work. Mahaveer, one of the park’s caretakers, shared his account of the incident. “I reported for duty at 9 am today and found the tree uprooted. This tree has stood here for over 20-25 years. There were no storms or strong winds, so the only explanation for this must be the earthquake,” he stated.
Janki Devi, another caretaker, confirmed the cause of the damage, emphasizing the strength of the tremors. “We didn’t notice any other damage in the park, just the uprooted tree. The earthquake struck at around 5:30 am, and the tremors were very strong. It seems the tree was toppled as a result,” she added.
While the tree loss has drawn attention, the earthquake caused minimal damage overall. According to the National Center for Seismology, the earthquake struck at a depth of five kilometers, with no immediate reports of injuries or other significant damage. The tremors, which were felt across Delhi-NCR, prompted residents in high-rise buildings in areas like Noida, Greater Noida, and Ghaziabad to rush outside for safety.
The Epicentre: Dhaula Kuan and Its Seismic History
The earthquake’s epicentre was near Durgabai Deshmukh College of Special Education in Dhaula Kuan. This area, which also has a lake nearby, has historically experienced smaller earthquakes. The region recorded a 3.3-magnitude quake in 2015, and such low-magnitude tremors have occurred once every two to three years.
Residents who were awake during the tremors reported hearing a loud sound when the earthquake struck. This added to the confusion and concern, as many feared a more serious impact.
Earthquake Tremors Felt Across Delhi-NCR
The earthquake, which was classified as a low-intensity tremor, was felt across the Delhi-NCR region. Many residents described the vibrations as strong, with high-rise buildings swaying for a brief period. People living in these buildings rushed out of their homes as a precautionary measure, fearing aftershocks or further tremors. Fortunately, no casualties or major damage have been reported at this time.
While the earthquake’s intensity was not severe, the uprooted tree in Jheel Park serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of seismic activity in urban areas. Though Delhi and the surrounding regions have experienced occasional tremors, Monday’s incident highlights the potential for even minor earthquakes to cause noticeable impacts on infrastructure and the environment.
Conclusion
The earthquake that struck Delhi on Monday morning left a 25-year-old tree toppled at Jheel Park in Dhaula Kuan. The tremors, felt across the city, prompted residents to evacuate buildings, but fortunately, no major damage or injuries were reported. As Delhi continues to experience smaller earthquakes periodically, the region remains on alert for future seismic events.
