Moderate Earthquake Jolts Kolkata; No Major Damage Reported
KOLKATA: A moderate earthquake measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale was felt across Kolkata and several parts of West Bengal on Tuesday evening, triggering brief panic among residents. According to preliminary data from the National Centre for Seismology, the tremors occurred at approximately 7:42 PM IST, with the epicenter reported near the India–Bangladesh border region at a depth of 18 kilometers.
Residents across high-rise apartments in Salt Lake, New Town, Park Street, and Howrah reported buildings swaying for several seconds. Many people rushed outdoors as a precaution, while social media quickly filled with posts describing the sudden shaking.
Authorities Assess the Situation
Officials from the West Bengal Disaster Management Department confirmed that there were no immediate reports of casualties or significant structural damage. Emergency services and civic authorities conducted rapid inspections in sensitive zones, including older residential pockets and commercial complexes.
An official spokesperson stated that while the tremors were noticeable, the impact appeared limited. “We are monitoring the situation closely and coordinating with local administrations,” the official said.
Transport and Public Services
Metro rail services experienced brief operational pauses as a safety measure but resumed normal functioning shortly afterward. Airport operations at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport continued without disruption. Power supply and communication networks remained stable across the city.
Seismic Context
Kolkata lies in a region categorized under Seismic Zone III, which is considered a moderate-risk zone. Though major earthquakes are rare in the city, tremors originating from neighboring states or Bangladesh are occasionally felt.
Seismologists noted that aftershocks, if any, are expected to be mild. Citizens have been advised to remain calm and follow basic earthquake safety protocols, such as avoiding elevators during tremors and moving to open spaces if indoors.
Public Reaction
While the tremor lasted only a few seconds, it was strong enough to cause concern among residents, particularly those living in multi-story buildings. Several educational institutions and offices temporarily evacuated as a precautionary measure.
Authorities have urged the public not to spread unverified information and to rely only on official updates.
