Rising seismic activity in North India sparks fears of a mega earthquake

A 4.0-magnitude earthquake jolted Delhi-NCR in the early hours of Monday, followed by minor tremors across Bihar, Odisha, and Sikkim. While no damage or casualties were reported, the sudden seismic activity has reignited concerns about an impending massive earthquake in the Himalayan region.

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Experts have long warned that the Himalayan belt is under immense geological strain due to ongoing tectonic collisions between the Indian and Eurasian plates. This strain continues to build, making the region a ticking time bomb for a catastrophic earthquake. Since the devastating 2015 earthquake in Nepal, scientists have been cautioning that a quake of magnitude 8 or higher is inevitable, threatening the densely populated Gangetic plains.

Recent research suggests that the strain is accumulating at an alarming rate, with a major seismic event expected in the area between Dehradun and western Nepal. Studies indicate that past earthquakes in Gujarat and Nepal were just precursors to a far more destructive event.

The biggest concern is that when the mega-quake strikes, it will be land-based, intensifying its impact on cities, towns, and villages. Over 300 million people live in the vulnerable zone, with urban infrastructure ill-equipped to withstand extreme shaking. Experts stress that preparedness measures must be urgently reinforced, as the consequences of a delayed response could be devastating.