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Earthquake In Delhi-NCR, Jaipur, Chandigarh, Other Parts Of North India; Here’s How To Remain Safe

March 22, 2023
Bharat Times English News

Earthquakes in India: Strong tremors were felt in major parts of North India including Delhi-NCR, Jaipur and Chandigarh on Tuesday (March 21, 2023) after a 6.6 magnitude earthquake hit Afghanistan. The powerful earthquake forced people out of their homes and onto the streets in Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Jaipur, Chandigarh and various cities in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. The National Center for Seismology (NCS) said it shook the Hindu Kush region in Afghanistan at 10.17 p.m. The epicenter of the earthquake was 133 km south-southeast of Faizabad, Afghanistan.NCS gave this information in a tweet. Tremors were also felt in various cities of Pakistan including Islamabad, Peshawar, Charsadda, Lahore and Rawalpindi.

According to the NCS, the epicenter of the earthquake was located at latitude 36.09°N and longitude 71.35°E with a focal depth of 156 km.

So far there have been no immediate reports of damage or injuries in any city.

Earthquake in Delhi-NCR, North India: Why did people feel the tremors for a long time?

According to a senior seismologist, people in northwest India and Delhi-NCR felt tremors for a relatively long time, because “the depth of the fault was more than 150 km”.

He told news agency PTI that people in northern India first felt the primary waves and were then affected by the secondary waves.

What to do during an earthquake?

  • If you feel the tremors, stay calm and reassure others.

  • During an incident, the safest place is an open space away from buildings.

  • If you’re indoors, hide under desks, tables, beds or doorways, and under inside walls and stairs. Stay away from glass doors, glass panes, windows or exterior doors. Do not rush to exit the building to avoid a stampede.

  • If you’re outside, move away from buildings and utility wires.

  • Once open, stay there until the vibration stops.

  • If you are in a moving vehicle, stop as soon as possible and stay in the vehicle.

  • Set all pets and pets free so they can run outside.

  • Do not use candles, matches or other open flames.

What to do after an earthquake?

  • Keep a stock of drinking water, food items and first aid equipment in an inaccessible place after an earthquake.

  • Be prepared for aftershocks as they can strike.

  • Turn on your transistor or television to receive the latest information/ bulletins and post-earthquake warnings.

  • If the valve of the LPG stove is on, then close it. If it is closed, do not open it.

  • Do not operate electrical switches or appliances if gas leakage is suspected.

  • Check water pipes, electrical panels and fittings. If damaged, turn off the main valve. Do not touch the power PVE wires.

  • Open doors and cabinets carefully as objects may fall out.