Rumbling sounds and shaking ground: Delhi-NCR wakes up to early morning earthquake; see pics

North India, including Delhi-NCR, experienced strong tremors early Monday morning. The first quake, measuring 4.0 in magnitude, struck at around 5.30am.

The earthquake hit Delhi at 5:36 am, with its epicenter located near Durgabai Deshmukh College of Special Education in Dhaula Kuan, at a depth of five kilometers.

Dr. OP Mishra, Director of NCS, reassured that the 4.0-magnitude earthquake in Dhaula Kuan is not unusual, as the area has experienced similar quakes, including a 4.7 magnitude one in 2007. Aftershocks of around 1.2 magnitude are expected, a natural process for healing.

The tremors caused residents in high-rise buildings across Delhi, Noida, Greater Noida, and Ghaziabad to immediately rush out of their homes in alarm.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to "stay calm and follow safety precautions" in response to the tremors and advised being alert for possible aftershocks.

Delhi, situated in Seismic Zone IV, regularly experiences minor earthquakes, with similar tremors in recent months. Notable past events include a 7.2 magnitude earthquake on January 23 and a 6.1 magnitude quake on January 11.

A passenger at New Delhi railway station described the tremors, saying, "The shaking was brief, but intense. It felt like a high-speed train passing through underground." Another passenger added, "It felt as if a train was running beneath us, shaking everything."