Magnitude 4.0 Earthquake Shakes Delhi, Sparking Memes and Scientific Discussion

On the morning of October 8, 2023, a strong earthquake with a magnitude of 4.0 rattled Delhi and its surrounding National Capital Region (NCR). The tremors were felt across the city, triggering a wave of reactions on social media, including a lively meme festival. The earthquake occurred at 11:51 AM with its epicenter located in the Faridabad district of Haryana, about 28 kilometers from Delhi. Reports indicate that the earthquake is attributed to the in-situ material heterogeneity in the region. This was confirmed by scientist Dr. S. R. Sharma from the Indian Institute of Technology, who stated, ‘Such earthquakes are not uncommon in the NCR region, especially when geological conditions vary significantly over short distances.’ People took to Twitter and other platforms to express their surprise and humorously showcase their reactions through memes. One user quipped, ‘I thought it was just another Monday in Delhi!’ Meanwhile, the seismic event left authorities on alert for any aftershocks, although there have been no immediate reports of significant damage or casualties. The National Center for Seismology continues to monitor the situation closely, urging residents to stay vigilant and prepared. This incident serves as a reminder of the region’s seismic activity, with previous earthquakes recorded in similar magnitudes.