Kolkata Shaken by Earthquake; Panic, Quick Evacuations as Tremors Hit City
Kolkata experienced a sudden jolt of seismic activity on Friday afternoon, as strong earthquake tremors sent residents rushing out of homes, offices and schools in West Bengal’s capital. The unexpectedly intense shaking rattled several parts of the city and nearby districts, sparking widespread panic, though officials have not reported any major casualties or damage so far.
According to preliminary seismic data, a quake registering approximately 4.9 magnitude struck around 1:22 pm IST, with the epicentre estimated to be in neighbouring Bangladesh. Many Kolkata residents reported feeling the ground sway for several seconds, with fixtures like fans and bottles visibly shaking in homes and apartments.
Scenes from various localities showed people spontaneously evacuating high-rise buildings to seek open spaces, while social media filled with firsthand accounts of the ground tremors and consequent commotion. Some commuters paused on streets mid-afternoon, trying to gauge the seriousness of the event before returning to work or heading home.
City authorities and disaster response teams remain on alert, monitoring aftershocks and checking infrastructure, especially in older parts of Kolkata. While early reports suggest there has been no significant structural damage, residents are urged to stay cautious and follow safety protocols if further seismic activity occurs.
This unforeseen quake has highlighted the importance of earthquake preparedness even in regions not traditionally known for strong seismic events, prompting renewed calls from experts for enhanced safety awareness across eastern India.
