Residents in Kolkata and nearby areas were taken by surprise on Friday afternoon as strong earthquake tremors shook parts of the city and surrounding districts. The shaking was felt around 1:30 pm, prompting people to rush out of homes, offices and high-rise buildings in a sudden panic.
What Happened
According to initial seismic readings, the earthquake had a magnitude between 5.3 and 5.5 on the Richter scale. The epicentre was located outside India, near southwestern Bangladesh, which explains why tremors spread across Kolkata and parts of South Bengal.
Many people in Kolkata reported feeling the quake strongly furniture swayed, ceilings vibrated, and windows rattled for several seconds. Several residents took to social media to share their experiences.
Immediate Response
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Office workers and shop employees evacuated buildings and gathered in open spaces as a safety precaution.
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In many parts of Kolkata, people stepped out onto streets, visibly shaken but generally safe.
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Officials and disaster management teams are currently assessing whether any structural damage occurred, though no serious damage or injuries have been confirmed so far.
Why It Was Felt Near Kolkata
Kolkata is located in a region that, although not among India’s most earthquake-prone areas, is close enough to seismic activity in the Bay of Bengal and Bangladesh that quakes can be felt when they are strong enough.
This event highlights how even earthquakes with epicentres outside India like this one near Bangladesh can affect cities like Kolkata due to geological and tectonic conditions in the region.
What Residents Should Know
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Tremors may continue as aftershocks, though most will be mild.
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It’s best to stay informed with updates from the National Centre for Seismology (NCS) or local authorities.
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If you feel another shaking, move to an open area away from buildings and overhead hazards.
Summary:
- A magnitude ~5.3–5.5 earthquake struck near Bangladesh today.
- Tremors were strongly felt in Kolkata and nearby regions.
- People rushed out of buildings in earthquake panic.
- No major damage or casualties reported yet.
- Officials are monitoring the situation.