Residents in parts of Haryana experienced a mild seismic tremor on Sunday afternoon, as an earthquake measuring 3.3 on the Richter scale was felt in the region. The event caused a brief moment of alarm but passed without causing any harm.
Details of the Seismic Event
According to the official data released by the National Centre for Seismology (NCS), the earthquake occurred at 12:13 pm. The precise location of the epicentre was traced to Rohtak, Haryana. The seismic activity originated at a shallow depth of 5 kilometres, which is often why such tremors are felt more distinctly on the surface.
Impact and Official Reports
Fortunately, the low intensity of the quake meant there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage to infrastructure and property. Local authorities and disaster management teams did not receive any alerts concerning injuries or structural harm following the event. The tremor was primarily a reminder of the region's seismic sensitivity rather than a destructive force.
Understanding Seismic Activity in the Region
Northern India, including the Delhi-NCR zone and surrounding areas like Haryana, sits on a seismically active belt. Mild tremors are not uncommon, and they serve as crucial reminders for preparedness. Experts consistently advise that residents should be aware of basic safety protocols during earthquakes, even for low-intensity events. Key steps include:
- Dropping to the ground and taking cover under sturdy furniture.
- Staying away from windows, glass, and heavy objects that could fall.
- Not using elevators and staying indoors until the shaking stops.
While Sunday's earthquake was minor, it underscores the importance of having robust building codes and public awareness campaigns in place for more significant seismic events in the future.
