4.9-magnitude earthquake hits Uttarakhand's Chamoli, tremors felt in Delhi-NCR
Synopsis
A moderate 4.9-magnitude quake centred in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district sent tremors rippling across multiple districts and all the way into Delhi-NCR late Tuesday night. With no immediate casualties reported, the event is a pointed reminder of the Himalayan region's persistent seismic risk — the same zone where a 1999 quake killed over 100 people.
Key Takeaways
An earthquake of magnitude 4.9 struck Chamoli district, Uttarakhand at approximately 10:24 pm on Tuesday, 6 October 2026 .
The epicentre was located at a depth of around 13 km below the earth's surface, as confirmed by the National Centre for Seismology (NCS) .
Tremors were felt across districts including Bageshwar , Pithoragarh , Champawat , Rudraprayag , and Chamoli , as well as towns such as Rishikesh , Haldwani , and Badrinath .
Shaking was also reported in parts of Delhi and the NCR , including Safdarjung in South Delhi.
No immediate reports of casualties or structural damage were available after the event.
Officials reiterated that Uttarakhand lies in a high-risk seismic zone due to ongoing tectonic plate movement in the Himalayan region .
An earthquake of magnitude 4.9 struck Uttarakhand's Chamoli district on Tuesday night, sending tremors across several parts of the state and into the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR). The National Centre for Seismology (NCS) confirmed the quake at around 10:40 pm, with the epicentre recorded at approximately 13 km below the earth's surface.
Key Details of the Earthquake
According to the NCS, the earthquake struck at around 10:24 pm, with its epicentre located in Chamoli. Tremors were reported from multiple districts across Uttarakhand, including Bageshwar, Pithoragarh, Champawat, Rudraprayag, and Chamoli itself. Residents of Bhowali, Haldwani, Khatima, Rishikesh, Gopeshwar, and Badrinath also reportedly felt the shaking.
Tremors Reach Delhi-NCR
The seismic waves were strong enough to be noticed in parts of Delhi and the wider NCR. A resident of Safdarjung in South Delhi reportedly said they felt their couch move during the tremor. Before the official NCS confirmation, several residents had already taken to social media to ask whether others had experienced the shaking — an increasingly common pattern during Himalayan seismic events.
Magnitude vs Intensity: What Experts Say
Officials noted that a magnitude 4.9 earthquake is generally considered moderate and may be felt across a relatively wide area. However, the actual impact — in terms of shaking intensity and potential damage — depends on factors including the depth of the quake, local geological conditions, and the direction in which seismic energy propagates. Experts distinguished between magnitude, which measures energy released at the source, and intensity, which describes how strongly shaking is felt at a given location.
Uttarakhand's Seismic Vulnerability
Officials said the latest tremors once again underscore the seismic vulnerability of Uttarakhand and the broader Himalayan region, which sits in a high-risk earthquake zone due to the ongoing movement of tectonic plates. The region has a documented history of significant seismic activity, with past earthquakes — including the devastating 1991 Uttarkashi and 1999 Chamoli quakes — causing widespread destruction. No immediate reports of casualties or structural damage were available following Tuesday night's event.
What Happens Next
Authorities are monitoring the situation for aftershocks, which are common following moderate seismic events in tectonically active zones. Residents in the affected districts have been advised to remain alert and follow standard earthquake safety protocols.
Point of View
And public earthquake-response drills are rare. The fact that Delhi-NCR felt a 4.9-magnitude event centred 400 kilometres away is a reminder of how widely Himalayan seismicity propagates — and how many densely populated areas sit in the transmission path. A moderate quake today, left unheeded, sets the stage for avoidable casualties tomorrow.
NationPress
7 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was the epicentre of the Uttarakhand earthquake on 6 October 2026?
The epicentre was located in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, at a depth of approximately 13 km below the earth's surface, according to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS).
What time did the earthquake strike Uttarakhand?
The earthquake struck at around 10:24 pm on Tuesday, 6 October 2026. The NCS officially confirmed it at approximately 10:40 pm.
Was the earthquake felt in Delhi?
Yes, tremors were felt in parts of Delhi and the wider NCR. A resident of Safdarjung in South Delhi reportedly said they felt their couch move during the event.
Was any damage or casualties reported after the Chamoli earthquake?
No immediate reports of casualties or structural damage were available following Tuesday night's earthquake. Authorities were monitoring the situation for potential aftershocks.
Why is Uttarakhand prone to earthquakes?
Uttarakhand lies in a high seismic-risk zone because the Himalayan region sits atop actively moving tectonic plates. This ongoing geological movement makes the area susceptible to frequent seismic activity, as seen in past major earthquakes such as the 1991 Uttarkashi and 1999 Chamoli quakes.
