The people of Delhi were woken up at around 5.30 today by a strong earthquake that resulted in extremely strong tremors.
At a magnitude of 4.0, the earthquake was strong enough to create panic among people from various residential areas including Delhi, Ghaziabad, and Noida to rush out of their houses to find safety.
A Noida resident claims that his “whole building was shaking,” and social media was buzzing with people posting about it, fearing that this was probably one of the strongest earthquakes to be felt in Delhi in recent times.
According to reports, the epicenter of this earthquake was at Delhi’s Dhaula Kuan. While other natural calamities can and have been predicted by weather departments and experts, earthquakes are said to be very difficult to predict.
No damage or casualties have been reported, yet. However, it is even more important to have basic guidelines and safety measures to keep in mind during an earthquake to ensure one’s safety.
Who To Save First: Yourself, Child Or Old Parents?
Many people struggle to figure out whom to protect in light of a natural calamity. While familial duty and love for children are all well and good, this is one instance where putting yourself first is incredibly important.
Many sources suggest that ensuring one’s own safety should be a priority. If one is injured, one won’t be able to help others effectively.
Follow the Drop, Cover, and Hold On method, a standard earthquake safety process. First, drop to your hands and knees to prevent you from getting knocked down. Then, cover your head and neck if you’re in an open space or find shelter under sturdy and secure furniture. Finally, hold on until the shaking stops.
Avoid panicking as it could cloud your judgement, and stay calm so you can think clearly.
Once you’ve ensured your safety, you can shift to taking children or elderly parents to safety. For the kids, try to keep them calm, provide comfort if they are scared, and stay away from windows, glass, or falling objects.
Evacuate them once the shaking stops to a safe place.
What To Do If You Have Old Parents In The House?
Elderly parents, family members, and children can be cared for after you have ensured your safety. Check on them to ensure they are safe and not in danger.
If they can move, guide them to shelter under sturdy furniture. If they have mobility issues, get them to drop to the ground and place their arms around their heads and necks to protect them.
Use a pillow or cushion if they cannot use their arms or are on the floor. Monitor fatigue with elderly family members and ensure they have access to their essential medications.
Try to do everything slowly so that they don’t overexert themselves. You should also assist them with breathing or movement if they have respiratory or mobility issues. If evacuation is needed, use a wheelchair or walker if they have mobility issues; otherwise, assist them in getting to a safer location slowly.
Also make sure to take any of their necessary medications, identification, and emergency supplies while evacuating.
If they are injured, avoid moving them, provide first aid immediately, and get them medical help as soon as possible.
Read More: Back In Time: 286 Years Today Calcutta Earthquake Killed 3 Lakh People, Devastating Half The City
Should You Take Your Valuables With You?
Valuables should be the last item on your list to think about during an earthquake. The most essential priority should be protecting any life inside the house and getting them to safety.
However, once the tremors have stopped and your family members are safe, you can inspect the site for damage or collect essential valuables and documents such as passports, money, and medical records.
Electronics and other items can be ignored, however, if necessary, an extra phone or two to help with communication can be added to the emergency kit.
Keep A Disaster Emergency Kit Ready
It is important to keep a disaster emergency kit ready with essentials to be prepared in such cases. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has given a list of items that must be included such as:
- Battery operated torch with extra batteries
- Battery operated radio
- First aid kit and manual
- Emergency food (dry items) and water (packed and sealed)
- Candles and matches in a waterproof container
- Knife
- Chlorine tablets or powdered water purifiers
- Can opener.
- Essential medicines
- Cash and credit cards
- Thick ropes and cords
- Sturdy shoes
You can also add any other crucial and essential items based on your individual specifications. Just ensure that the bag doesn’t become so heavy that it is difficult to carry.
Image Credits: Google Images
Sources: NDMA, Hindustan Times, New18
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This post is tagged under: Earthquake, Earthquake tips, Earthquake safety, Earthquake safety measure, Earthquake precaution, Earthquake to do, natural calamities, Earthquake delhi, Earthquake delhi 2025
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