If you hear "Seismic Zone IV" you might wonder how it affects daily life. In India the government divides the country into four zones based on how often earthquakes happen and how strong they can be. Zone IV is the second‑most active zone, meaning the ground can shake harder here than in Zones I‑III, but not as violently as in Zone V.
Being in a Seismic Zone IV area doesn't guarantee a quake, but it does mean you should be ready. Simple steps like securing heavy furniture, knowing the safest spots in each room, and having a basic emergency kit can make a big difference when the ground starts moving.
Most of northern, central and parts of western India fall in Zone IV. States such as Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat and parts of Bihar are included. Major cities like Delhi, Lucknow, Jaipur and Indore sit in this zone. The zone also covers some hilly regions of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand where landslides can add to the danger.
These areas have seen medium‑size earthquakes in the past – think of the 1991 Uttarkashi quake (M6.8) or the 2001 Gujarat tremor (M7.7) that affected nearby zones. While the biggest quakes happen in Zone V (the Himalayan belt), the frequency in Zone IV is high enough that authorities require stricter building codes and regular safety drills.
First, check if your home follows the local building code. New structures should have reinforced concrete frames, proper joint connections and a sturdy roof. If you live in an older building, talk to a structural engineer about retrofitting – adding steel braces or anchoring heavy items can help.
Second, create a household emergency plan. Pick a meeting point outside the house, decide how to contact each other if phone lines go down, and practice “Drop, Cover, Hold On” drills with everyone, especially kids.
Third, put together a basic emergency kit. Include bottled water (at least 3 days), non‑perishable food, a flashlight, spare batteries, a first‑aid box, copies of important documents and some cash. Keep the kit in an easy‑to‑reach place.
Fourth, secure things that could fall during shaking. Fasten tall book‑shelves to walls, place heavy objects on lower shelves, and use latches on cabinets so they don’t fling open.
Finally, stay informed. Sign up for alerts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) or local disaster management agencies. When a quake occurs, move away from windows, stay inside until the shaking stops, then check for injuries and damage before leaving the building.
Living in Seismic Zone IV doesn’t have to be scary. With a few practical steps you can protect yourself and your family. Keep your home sturdy, know what to do when the ground trembles, and stay updated on any alerts. That way you’ll be ready for whatever the earth throws your way.
Tremors from a 5.8 magnitude Afghanistan earthquake shook Delhi-NCR and parts of northern India, leading residents to evacuate high-rise buildings. Experts highlight Delhi-NCR's seismic vulnerability, though no immediate damage was recorded.