Earthquake tremors were felt in Delhi-NCR this afternoon. The epicentre of this earthquake was India’s neighbouring country Myanmar. The intensity of this earthquake was measured at 7.2 on the Richter scale. These tremors were felt intermittently. Due to the tremors in Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram and Faridabad, many people panicked and came out of their homes and offices. However, no loss of life or property has been reported so far.

Know why earthquakes occur

There are 7 plates inside the earth, which keep rotating continuously. The zone where these plates collide more is called fault line. Due to repeated collision, the corners of the plates bend. When more pressure is built up, the plates start breaking. The energy below finds a way to come out and after the disturbance, an earthquake occurs.

How dangerous is an earthquake of which intensity?

• An earthquake of 0 to 1.9 intensity is very weak. It is detected only by seismograph. • An earthquake of 2 to 2.9 magnitude causes mild vibrations on the Richter scale.

• An earthquake of 3 to 3.9 magnitude causes a slight tremor.

• An earthquake of 4 to 4.9 magnitude causes a truck to pass by you.

• An earthquake of 4 to 4.9 magnitude may break windows. Also, frames hanging on walls may fall.

• An earthquake of 5 to 5.9 magnitude may cause the furniture in the house to shake.

• An earthquake of 6 to 6.9 magnitude may cause the foundation of buildings to crack.

• An earthquake of 7 to 7.9 magnitude is dangerous. Buildings collapse due to this and pipes in the ground burst.

• An earthquake of 8 to 8.9 magnitude is quite dangerous. Earthquakes of 8.8 to 8.9 magnitude caused a lot of destruction in many countries including Japan and China.

• An earthquake of 9 and above magnitude causes complete destruction. Buildings collapse. Tsunamis occur near trees, plants and oceans.