Earthquake Rattles Delhi–NCR: How to Enable Smartphone Alerts for Early Warning

A mild but noticeable earthquake struck Delhi–NCR on Thursday morning, centered near Jhajjar in Haryana. Measuring 4.4 on the Richter scale at a depth of approximately 10 km, the tremor prompted residents to rush outdoors. While no casualties have been reported, the event underscores the importance of early earthquake detection and smartphone alerts for public safety.

Earthquake Details: What We Know

According to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS), the seismic event originated near Jhajjar and was felt across Delhi, Gurugram, Noida and surrounding areas. The 4.4 magnitude quake, while relatively moderate, was strong enough to cause panic among residents waking up to heavy shaking.

• Date & Time: Thursday morning, July 10, 2025

• Epicenter: Near Jhajjar, Haryana

• Magnitude: 4.4 on the Richter scale

• Depth: Approximately 10 kilometres

• Impact zone: Delhi–NCR region

Shaking tremors are still noticeable hours later, reminding citizens that even moderate quakes can be unsettling and hazardous—especially in densely populated zones.

Why Earthquake Alerts Matter

Earthquakes strike without warning, but even a few seconds of early alert can save lives. Smartphone earthquake alert systems transform everyday phones into mini seismic detectors, helping users take protective action:

• Drop to the ground

• Take cover under strong furniture

• Hold on until shaking subsides

These critical seconds can help reduce injuries from falling objects, breakage, or structural damage—especially in high-density cities like Delhi.

How Smartphone Earthquake Alerts Work

Most modern phones include accelerometers and gyroscopes that measure ground motion. Here’s a simplified breakdown of how alert systems function:

1. Embedded sensors detect unusual ground movement.

2. The phone sends this data to a central seismic server (managed by IMD, NCS, USGS, etc.).

3. The server processes signals from multiple phones to confirm a quake.

4. If a real earthquake is confirmed, phones in the impacted region receive Earthquake Alerts in seconds.

These alerts typically reach users 2–10 seconds before shaking begins, enough time to react.

Turn on Earthquake Alerts on Android

To receive earthquake warnings on Android, follow these steps:

1. Open Settings on your Android smartphone.

2. Go to Safety & Emergency (or similar).

3. Find and enable Earthquake Alerts.

4. Ensure your location services are on.

Once enabled, your phone will automatically receive alerts when seismic activity is detected nearby.

Enable Earthquake Alerts on iPhone

Apple’s iOS offers a built-in earthquake alert system. To activate:

1. Go to Settings.

2. Tap Notifications.

3. Scroll down to Emergency Alerts.

4. Turn on Earthquake Alerts (it may say “Natural Disaster Alerts”).

With this enabled, your iPhone will display alerts alongside loud sound or vibration when an earthquake warning is issued.

Regional Readiness: Delhi–NCR Earthquake Risk

Delhi–NCR lies near the northwest Himalayan seismic zone, which historically experiences moderate to strong earthquakes. The parallel tremors in recent years highlight the need for:

• Widespread awareness of earthquake safety

• School/workplace earthquake drills

• Structural compliance with earthquake-resistant building codes

• Usage of smartphone alerts as an additional precaution

Experts encourage Delhi residents to treat every shaking seriously and prepare an emergency kit containing essentials like water, a flashlight, and first aid.

Earthquake Safety Tips

In addition to using smartphone alerts, here are other essential precautions:

1. INDOOR: Drop, cover, and hold on—stay under sturdy furniture until shaking stops

2. OUTDOOR: Move into open space away from buildings, trees, and overhead wires

3. EVACUATION: If you need to flee, do so calmly along escape routes

4. FOLLOW-UP: Stay updated via official alerts and assist those who may be injured

5. POST-QUAKE: Check utilities, standby for official updates, and avoid damaging zones

Tech-Savvy vs. Traditional Alerts

Earthquake alerts work best as a complement to traditional systems like sirens, radio, and TV warnings. However:

• They are free and accessible via standard smartphones

• No app download needed—just native settings toggled on

• Alerts are automatic and localized, based on your current location

The Role of Citizen Seismic Networks

Technology behind these alerts, including xSENC (Android) and ShakeAlert (California), rely on crowdsourcing sensor data. The more users with alerts enabled, the faster the network becomes in detecting and alerting about quakes.

What to Do If You Didn’t Receive an Alert

Not getting a notification doesn’t mean the earthquake wasn’t there. Possible reasons:

• You haven’t enabled Earthquake Alerts

• You’re outside a designated impact zone

• Network or server delay

Always follow visual and physical cues—don’t wait just for a notification. Beware of aftershocks, which occur in the hours and days following a quake.

Government and Seismology Measures

India’s National Center for Seismology continuously monitors seismic events and manages public alerts. Their system integrates with mobile safety platforms alongside IMD systems, aimed at enhancing early-warning coverage across the country.

Why 4.4 Quakes Still Matter

A quake measuring 4.4 magnitude is moderate, but its shallow depth (10 km) can amplify surface shaking—enough to unsettle buildings, cause minor damage, and spark panic. Urban residents, especially in older or poorly built structures, should not ignore tremors.

As Delhi–NCR residents felt the tremor near Jhajjar, Haryana, the event was a reminder that seismic activity can always surface. Smartphone earthquake alerts, when enabled, offer that crucial few seconds of preparation.