Context

Recently, a 4.4 magnitude earthquake occurred near Delhi, with its epicentre 20 km southwest of the city at a shallow depth of 5 km. Although it caused no significant damage, it revealed Delhi’s infrastructure vulnerabilities — over 80% of buildings, especially those constructed before 2000, do not adhere to seismic safety codes. This event adds to a string of earthquakes across Asia since March 2025, including a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand, tremors in Tibet and Greece, and ongoing seismic activity along the India-Myanmar border. Given India’s location on an active tectonic plate, there is an urgent need to bolster seismic resilience.

India’s Seismic Vulnerability

India faces a major earthquake risk because the Indian tectonic plate is moving northward, colliding with the Eurasian Plate at 4–5 cm per year. This tectonic activity formed the Himalayas and poses the threat of a massive earthquake (magnitude 8 or more), potentially impacting over 300 million people across northern India, Nepal, and Bhutan.

Delhi’s Specific Risks

Delhi is situated in Seismic Zone IV, classified as a high-risk zone. The city experiences a ground acceleration factor of 0.24g, making it susceptible to strong tremors. Many buildings — including more than 5,000 high-rises — fail to meet safety standards outlined in IS 1893:2016, which mandates earthquake-resistant designs like ductile detailing and shear walls. The July 2025 tremors underscored the city’s lack of preparedness for a major quake, risking the safety of its 33.5 million residents.

Wider Seismic Risks Across India

Seismic danger extends beyond Delhi. India’s seismic zones range from II to V, with northeastern states such as Manipur, Nagaland, and Mizoram classified in Zone V — the highest risk category with peak ground accelerations exceeding 0.36g. These regions recently experienced tremors from powerful earthquakes in Myanmar, including the 7.7 magnitude event in March 2025 and a 5.2 magnitude quake in May 2025. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, also in Zone V, face combined threats from earthquakes and tsunamis, as demonstrated by the 2004 disaster. Even Sikkim was affected by a 5.7 magnitude quake in Tibet on May 12, 2025.

Impact of Urban Growth on Earthquake Risks

Rapid urbanization in Delhi exacerbates earthquake risks. Older buildings in areas like East Delhi rest on soil prone to liquefaction, increasing collapse hazards during tremors. Poorly designed high-rises add to the threat. Although the IndiaQuake app by the National Center for Seismology (NCS) offers early warnings, there remains a lack of widespread public awareness and inadequate enforcement of building codes. The Himalayan seismic gap — the interval between major quakes like the Kangra (1905) and Nepal (2015) earthquakes — suggests an overdue major event, which could severely impact cities including Delhi.

Measures to Enhance Preparedness

India must enforce seismic safety standards rigorously, especially in high-risk zones. In Delhi, retrofitting older buildings with steel jacketing and deep pile foundations can reduce collapse risks. Guwahati, in Zone V, must strictly implement IS 1893:2016. Builders should avoid floodplains to prevent liquefaction, and critical infrastructure should employ base isolation techniques. In Bhuj, retrofitting and establishing community disaster response teams are necessary. The Delhi Development Authority should expedite building safety inspections. Concurrently, the NCS should expand early warning systems to cover villages in Zone V. Through strict regulations and community readiness, India’s growing cities can better withstand future earthquakes.

Learning from Global Examples

Global experiences provide important insights for India. Bangkok’s use of high-strength concrete and ductile detailing demonstrates how strict codes mitigate earthquake damage. Conversely, Myanmar’s 2025 quake losses, exacerbated by unreinforced masonry, illustrate the dangers of neglect. India, facing greater seismic risks — particularly in Zone V areas like the Northeast and Kutch — requires tailored local solutions. Experts estimate that India needs around ₹50,000 crore annually to retrofit vulnerable structures.

Conclusion

With rising seismic activity regionally and globally, India must act promptly. The government should enforce building codes strictly, invest in resilient infrastructure, and promote earthquake safety education. Citizens must be equipped to prepare emergency kits, adhere to safe building practices, and plan evacuations. A national conversation is crucial to drive urgent action before the next major earthquake.