Delhi-NCR in dilemma to stay indoors or step outside, as they feel an earthquake tremor amid covid-19

Last updated on February 9th, 2023 at 12:59 pm

On April 12, a magnitude of 3.5 earthquakes shook the national capital of Delhi at a depth of 8 km for a few seconds. Residents living in the Delhi-NCR region felt the quake at 5:45 pm. People were in a dilemma whether to step outside or stay indoors amid the coronavirus lockdown. The tremors were of moderate density and were also felt in parts of Ghaziabad, Faridabad, and Noida.

As per National Centre for Seismology, the epicenter was north Delhi’s Wazirabad, there was no report of any damage, India Today reported.

As per experts, while the entire nation is battling the coronavirus pandemic, a severe earthquake in the capital region would have caused more problems, however, it was a mild jolt.

The Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted, “Tremors felt in Delhi. I hope everyone is safe. I pray for the safety of each one of you.”

According to the Bureau of Indian Standards, Delhi lies in Zone-IV that has high seismicity where a common occurrence of any earthquakes would be of 5-6 magnitude and sometimes of a higher magnitude.

Read: Coronavirus Lockdown: Indians facing a hard time working from home due to heavy internet traffic

As per the Center for Disease Control, we must stay prepared prior an earthquake by keeping a backpack ready with three days of food supply, e.g., like biscuits, dry fruits, etc. water bottle, first aid kit, a torch, a Swiss knife, a whistle, essential ID and a mobile phone to communicate.

When confronting an earthquake, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) guidelines are not to run or use staircases as they are the weakest part of a building, and you could fall an injure yourself. Escape the kitchen area, which is a risky spot as things could fall on you. In case you’re indoors, try remaining there, and get under the table and hold on to it. If you’re outside then go to an open area, away from buildings and sit down. It is essential to be prepared if you live in a seismic zone.