Earthquake Tremors Felt Across Kolkata
Strong earthquake tremors were felt across Kolkata and adjoining areas of West Bengal on Friday afternoon, prompting residents, office workers and students to evacuate buildings and rush to open spaces as a safety precaution. The seismic activity, originating from a quake in neighbouring Bangladesh, caused noticeable shaking in high-rise structures across the city.
Kolkata Earthquake Tremors Felt Across City
The earthquake struck at around 1:22 pm IST, according to seismic data, with its epicentre located near the India-Bangladesh border in Bangladesh at a relatively shallow depth. The seismic event registered a magnitude of approximately 5.3-5.5, making its effects widely felt in and around Kolkata, including residential complexes, office towers and schools. The shaking lasted several seconds, leading to swaying furniture and rattling windows in many parts of the city. Despite the intensity of the tremors, there were no immediate reports of major structural damage or casualties.
Evacuations And Public Reaction In Kolkata
As tremors reverberated through the city, people in various neighbourhoods reacted by evacuating buildings and gathering in open spaces as a precautionary measure. Offices, homes and educational institutions saw occupants moving outdoors quickly, while some organisations activated emergency response protocols. The sudden shaking also caused brief disruption in daily activities as workers and residents prioritised safety.
Regional Earthquake Context And Monitoring
The earthquake’s epicentre was located in Bangladesh, but its proximity to the West Bengal border meant the effects were strongly felt in Kolkata and nearby districts. Earthquake monitoring agencies continue to track seismic activity in the region, noting that tremors of this magnitude can be felt across wide areas, especially in regions with dense alluvial soil. Officials have not indicated any immediate risk of aftershocks, though monitoring remains ongoing.
