Strong Tremors Felt in Kolkata After Bangladesh Earthquake
A magnitude 5.6 earthquake in Bangladesh shook several parts of West Bengal . The quake’s epicenter was located near Narsingdi, around 13 km south-southwest of the region. Moreover, the shallow depth caused stronger surface vibrations, which allowed the tremors to travel quickly across eastern India.
Residents in Kolkata and nearby districts said the shaking was sudden. Many people rushed out of homes and offices in fear. The Kolkata earthquake tremors were felt in areas including Malda, Coochbehar, Nadia, Dakshin Dinajpur, and Siliguri. However, no major damage has been reported so far.
Tremors Felt Across North and South Bengal
The earthquake hit around the evening hours when many residents were engaged in routine activities. As soon as the tremors began, people ran outdoors seeking safety. Additionally, several offices temporarily stopped work as a precaution.
In Kolkata, people in high-rise buildings felt the movement clearly. Many reported mild shaking of furniture. Some said the tremors lasted only a few seconds but felt “strong for that short time.” In Siliguri, residents experienced a similar effect. Shops and restaurants saw people stepping outside until the vibrations stopped.
Moreover, tremors were also reported in districts near the Bangladesh border. Malda and Nadia recorded stronger vibrations due to their closeness to the epicenter. Residents of Coochbehar and Dakshin Dinajpur described the shaking as “unexpected,” especially since the region has not seen strong seismic activity in recent months.
Authorities Monitor Situation; No Damage Reported Yet
Officials from the West Bengal Disaster Management Department stated that there were no immediate signs of structural damage. They also confirmed that power and communication networks remained stable. Moreover, emergency teams have been placed on alert as a precaution.
The Kolkata earthquake tremors created temporary panic in several markets. However, authorities assured that the impact was not severe. The shallow quake, though strong, did not cause long-lasting shaking. Local police also carried out brief checks across busy zones in Kolkata and Siliguri.
Experts explained that shallow quakes often create intense vibrations over a large area. Additionally, the geological structure of the Bengal Basin allows tremors to travel easily. Therefore, residents across the state felt the quake despite the epicenter being in Bangladesh.
A senior seismologist from the region said that the quake was typical for the fault lines active in eastern Bangladesh. However, he added that the tremor’s reach into India was notable due to the quake’s location and depth. The situation remains under observation, but experts do not expect further aftershocks.
Public Reaction and Safety Precautions
Many people shared their experiences on social media. Some posted videos showing hanging lights swaying during the tremors. Others wrote that the shaking was brief but strong enough to create fear. Moreover, several residents said they ran downstairs as a natural reflex, even though the tremor had stopped before they reached open ground.
Meanwhile, authorities reminded citizens about basic safety rules during earthquakes. They advised people to stay calm, move away from windows and avoid using elevators. Additionally, they encouraged residents to review emergency guidelines.
Schools, malls and transport hubs in Kolkata continued to operate normally after the quake. However, a few buildings reported brief evacuations as part of their safety protocols. Health officials confirmed that no injuries related to the tremors were reported.
Regional Seismic Activity Under Watch
Eastern India and Bangladesh lie close to several active tectonic zones. Therefore, quakes of moderate intensity are not unusual. However, Friday’s tremor gained attention because of its reach and timing. Many residents noted that they had not felt a quake this clearly in months.
Seismologists continue to monitor the region. Moreover, the Indian Meteorological Department is tracking seismic readings for any further activity. Authorities across Bengal will remain alert until experts confirm normal ground stability.
For now, life in Kolkata and Siliguri has returned to normal. Yet the tremor served as a reminder for residents to stay aware of earthquake safety measures, especially in high-density urban zones.