Night tremors ripple across Haryana after mild quake centred near Sonipat

A light earthquake measuring 3.2 on the Richter scale shook several areas of Haryana late on Monday evening, according to the National Center for Seismology. The tremors were felt around 9.22 pm, and the epicenter was recorded in Sonipat at a depth of 5 kilometers. The sudden shaking caused people in many neighborhoods to rush out of their homes in fear, even though the earthquake was mild in intensity. Fortunately, no loss of life or property damage was reported.

Residents described the moment as brief but noticeable. Many said their windows rattled, and some felt their beds and chairs move slightly. In some residential colonies, people gathered outside for several minutes before returning indoors. Even though the tremors did not last long, the unexpected movement created concern among families, especially elderly residents and children.

Officials said there was no need to panic as light earthquakes are common in this region. Emergency teams were placed on alert as a precaution, but no distress calls or reports of structural damage were received. The district administration confirmed that routine checks were carried out in important buildings and essential service facilities, but everything remained normal.

This earthquake came just two months after another mild quake of 3.4 magnitude hit the same district on September 27. That earlier tremor struck around 1.47 am and also caused people to step out of their homes in alarm. Both incidents show that the region continues to experience low-intensity seismic activity from time to time.

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Why the region feels frequent tremors

Experts say that the wider Delhi-NCR belt, which includes Sonipat, falls under Seismic Zone 4. This zone has a moderate to high earthquake risk compared to other parts of the country. The area often experiences small tremors because of its geological location and the presence of several active fault lines. The NCR region is also around 250 kilometers from the Himalayan collision zone, which is one of the world’s most active seismic regions. Movements in the Earth’s crust around the Himalayas can affect nearby plains, including Haryana and Delhi.

Among the several active fault lines around the region are the Delhi-Haridwar Ridge, the Mahendragarh-Dehradun Fault, the Sohna Fault, and the Yamuna River Lineament. These fault lines are areas where the Earth’s crust can shift, creating the possibility of earthquakes. Even when such movements are small, they can still produce mild tremors that people may feel inside homes and buildings.

Scientists also explain that most earthquakes in this region are shallow, meaning they occur at depths of less than 10 kilometers. Shallow earthquakes, even when low in magnitude, are often felt more strongly than deeper ones. That is why tremors like Monday’s quake can still frighten residents even when the intensity is not high.

The National Center for Seismology monitors seismic activity across the country and provides timely information after each event. Their data helps authorities assess risks and respond quickly if needed. For Monday’s incident, they confirmed that the quake was minor and did not require any large-scale emergency measures.

Residents of Delhi-NCR have been experiencing small earthquakes more frequently in recent years. While most of them do not cause harm, experts say regular tremors are reminders that people should be prepared. They advise households to secure heavy furniture, avoid placing objects on high shelves, and know basic safety steps like “drop, cover, and hold on” during an earthquake.

Local authorities also encourage people to stay calm and avoid spreading rumours on social media during such events. They say that false information only creates unnecessary panic. Instead, residents should rely on verified updates from official agencies.

Even though Monday’s earthquake did not cause damage, many residents said the experience was unsettling, especially since it happened at night when people were indoors. Some reported hearing faint rumbling sounds before feeling the vibrations. Others said they initially thought the movement was caused by passing vehicles or construction activity until neighbours began stepping outside.

The district administration said they are continuing routine monitoring of the situation. They also reassured citizens that the region’s infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, and public utilities, remains safe. However, they urged people to immediately report any cracks or damage in buildings so that engineers can inspect them.

Experts say earthquakes like these serve as reminders for both authorities and citizens to stay prepared. They recommend regular safety drills, public awareness campaigns, and stricter adherence to building codes in quake-prone regions. Earthquake-resistant construction plays a key role in reducing risk, especially in densely populated urban areas.

In recent years, Delhi-NCR has seen rapid urbanisation, with many high-rise buildings and large housing complexes. Ensuring that new constructions follow approved safety standards is considered essential for long-term protection.

For now, the situation in Sonipat and surrounding areas is stable. People have returned to their normal routines, but many remain alert to any future tremors. The memory of previous incidents and the overall seismic nature of the region mean that residents take even small quakes seriously.

Authorities advise people to stay informed, know basic safety instructions, and remain calm during such events. With strong monitoring systems and regular awareness, officials believe that the region can respond effectively to any future seismic activity.