Kolkata Earthquake:-5.1 Magnitude Quake Hits Bay of Bengal, Tremors Felt in Kolkata, Other Places

Kolkata Earthquake:-5.1 Magnitude Quake Hits Bay of Bengal, Tremors Felt in Kolkata, Other Places 

On 25th February 2025, a 5.1 magnitude earthquake struck the Bay of Bengal, sending tremors across several parts of West Bengal, including Kolkata. The earthquake, though moderate in intensity, was felt in many parts of the state, causing panic among residents. Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage. However, the sudden shaking reminded the people of Kolkata about the region’s seismic vulnerability.  

Kolkata Earthquake:- 5.1 Magnitude Quake Hits Bay of Bengal, Tremors Felt in Kolkata, Other Places  

According to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS), the earthquake’s epicentre was in the Bay of Bengal, approximately 200 km from the coast. The tremors were felt in Kolkata, as well as in neighbouring districts like Howrah, Hooghly, South 24 Parganas, and North 24 Parganas. People in high-rise buildings were particularly affected, with many rushing out of their homes and offices in fear.  

Eyewitnesses described the experience as a mild but noticeable shaking, lasting a few seconds. Social media was quickly flooded with reports from citizens who felt the tremors. Some residents of Kolkata even compared this to past earthquakes that had affected the region.  

Impact of the Kolkata Earthquake on Daily Life

Although the 5.1 magnitude earthquake was not severe, it caused momentary panic in Kolkata and other places. In offices, schools, and residential buildings, people were seen rushing outdoors as a precautionary measure. Many residents reported light furniture movement, while some noticed ceiling fans and hanging objects swaying.  

Public transport remained mostly unaffected, but Metro Rail services were briefly halted for inspections to ensure passenger safety. Flights at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata continued as usual, with authorities monitoring the situation closely.  

Seismic Activity in the Bay of Bengal: Is Kolkata at Risk?

This is not the first time that Kolkata and other places have experienced tremors from earthquakes originating in the Bay of Bengal. Over the past few decades, there have been multiple instances of moderate to strong quakes in the region.  

Seismologists have warned that while Kolkata is not directly on a major tectonic fault line, it lies in Seismic Zone III, which means there is a moderate risk of earthquakes. The collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates occasionally triggers seismic activity in the Bay of Bengal, affecting eastern parts of India, including West Bengal, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh.  

Residents React to the Kolkata Earthquake  

The 5.1 magnitude earthquake caught many residents by surprise. Those who were at home reported feeling their beds shake, while people in offices noticed computer screens and chairs moving slightly. A student from Jadavpur University mentioned, _"I was in the middle of an online class when I felt a sudden shake. At first, I thought it was just my chair moving, but then I saw my bookshelf vibrating."

Many Kolkatans took to social media to share their experiences. The hashtag KolkataEarthquake trended briefly on Twitter, with users posting videos of light fixtures swaying and sharing concerns about safety.  

Government and Disaster Management Response

Following the earthquake in Kolkata, authorities in West Bengal assured citizens that there was no immediate threat.The disaster management teams were on standby, and the Kolkata Police urged people to stay calm and avoid spreading rumours.  

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and West Bengal State Disaster Management Authority (WBSDMA) conducted preliminary inspections to check for any structural damage. Fortunately, there were no reports of collapsed buildings or injuries.  

Safety Tips for Future Earthquakes in Kolkata

As Kolkata is vulnerable to occasional tremors, residents must be prepared for future seismic events. Here are some earthquake safety tips to follow:  

1.Stay Indoors if Safe:- If you are inside a building during an earthquake, stay away from windows and heavy furniture. Take cover under a sturdy table.  

2.Do Not Use Elevators:- Always use stairs instead of lifts during an earthquake.  

3.Evacuate Safely:- If you need to leave a building, move calmly and quickly to an open area.  

4.Secure Heavy Objects:-Ensure that bookshelves, mirrors, and furniture are properly fastened to prevent falling.  

5.Prepare an Emergency Kit:- Keep essentials like water, food, torches, batteries, and first-aid supplies ready in case of a stronger earthquake.  

6. Stay Informed:- Follow official news sources and alerts from the National Centre for Seismology for accurate updates.  

Past Earthquakes in Kolkata and Surrounding Regions

While Kolkata does not frequently experience major earthquakes, the city has witnessed tremors from earthquakes in nearby regions. Some notable past earthquakes include:  

a.April 2015 (Nepal Earthquake – 7.8 magnitude):- Tremors were strongly felt in Kolkata and other places in eastern India.  

b.August 2018 (Myanmar Earthquake – 6.0 magnitude):- Moderate tremors were experienced in Kolkata due to seismic activity in Myanmar.  

c.November 2021 (Northeast India Earthquake – 6.4 magnitude):- Mild tremors were reported in parts of West Bengal.  

These events serve as a reminder that even though Kolkata is not directly on a major fault line it is still vulnerable to seismic activity from neighbouring earthquake-prone regions.

What Lies Ahead: Can Kolkata Expect More Earthquakes?

Experts believe that moderate tremors like the recent 5.1 magnitude earthquake in the Bay of Bengal could occur again in the future. The tectonic movement in the Indian Ocean and Himalayan region plays a crucial role in determining seismic activity in eastern India.

While Kolkata is not at high risk of a major earthquake, preparedness is key. The state government, city planners, and disaster management teams are continuously working to improve building safety standards and earthquake preparedness measures.

-:- Conclusion -:-

The Kolkata earthquake: 5.1 magnitude quake hits Bay of Bengal, tremors felt in Kolkata, other places served as a wake-up call for residents and authorities alike. While there was no major damage, the tremors reminded everyone of the unpredictability of natural disasters.  

With growing urbanisation and high-rise buildings in Kolkata, earthquake preparedness is more important than ever. Although seismic risks in the region are moderate, staying informed, following safety measures, and ensuring proper building regulations can help mitigate potential hazards in the future.  

As Kolkatan's recover from the brief moment of fear caused by the earthquake, one thing is certain: awareness and preparedness are the best defences against the uncertainties of nature.  

For more updates on seismic activity, disaster preparedness, and safety tips, stay tuned to official sources and follow earthquake monitoring agencies.