Kolkata and surrounding areas in West Bengal experienced intense earthquake tremors on Friday afternoon, sparking widespread panic among residents. The tremors, felt around 1:22 PM, originated from a 5.3 magnitude quake in Bangladesh at a depth of 10 kilometers, according to the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre.
The city recorded an intensity of about 5.0 on the Richter scale, with the epicenter roughly 8 kilometers away. Shocks lasted several seconds, prompting people to rush out of offices, homes, and buildings in a frantic bid for safety. Eyewitnesses described the sudden swaying of structures and the eerie rumble that followed.
In a striking moment captured on video, Union Minister of State Sukanta Majumdar was addressing a public meeting in Kolkata when the tremors hit. Cameras shook violently as the minister paused, visibly startled, and inquired about the sensation from the crowd.
The impact was most pronounced in districts like South 24 Parganas, North 24 Parganas, Howrah, Hooghly, East Midnapore, and West Midnapore. A young woman from Howrah recounted the terrifying seconds of intense shaking, saying it left everyone gripped by fear until news confirmed it was an earthquake.
This isn’t the first such incident this month. Just weeks ago on February 3, a previous tremor lasting 15 seconds rattled large parts of Kolkata, believed to have originated from Myanmar. Seismologists note that the region lies near active tectonic plates, making such events a recurring concern.
While no casualties or major damage have been reported so far, authorities urge residents to stay vigilant. Emergency protocols include dropping to the ground, taking cover under sturdy furniture, and avoiding windows during shakes. The National Centre for Seismology is monitoring aftershocks, but none have been recorded yet.
As the city returns to normalcy, the event serves as a stark reminder of India’s seismic vulnerability in the eastern corridor. Preparedness drills and retrofitting of older structures remain critical in mitigating future risks.