Earthquake Of Magnitude 5.5 Hits Bangladesh; Shakes Kolkata, Tremors Felt Across The City

Kolkata experienced strong tremors on Friday afternoon after an earthquake struck near the India-Bangladesh border.

Many residents rushed out of homes and offices as buildings shook briefly around early afternoon.

According to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS), the earthquake measured 5.5 on the Richter scale.

When and Where Did the Earthquake Occur?

The tremor was recorded at a depth of 10 kilometres. The epicentre was located in southwestern Bangladesh, close to the border with West Bengal.

Earlier, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) had estimated the magnitude at 5.3. It placed the epicentre about 26 kilometres southeast of Taki in West Bengal.

Differences in initial magnitude readings are common, as agencies analyse seismic data in stages before issuing final reports.

Tremors Felt Across Kolkata

The earthquake was felt across Kolkata and nearby districts around 1:22 pm. Residents reported that ceiling fans swayed, furniture moved and windows rattled during the tremor.
People living in high-rise buildings said the shaking felt stronger on upper floors. Many stepped outside as a precaution.

Reports of tremors also came from areas near the India-Bangladesh border.

Social Media Reactions

Soon after the tremor, several residents shared their experiences on social media platform X.
One user wrote that it was the first time they had felt an earthquake in their life. Another described the shaking as "terrible waves" across Kolkata.

Videos posted online showed people gathering outside residential buildings and offices in panic.

No Immediate Reports of Major Damage

As of now, there are no confirmed reports of major damage or casualties. Authorities are monitoring the situation and gathering information from different parts of the city.
Earthquakes of moderate intensity like this can cause noticeable shaking but often result in limited structural damage, especially if buildings are designed to withstand seismic activity.

Why Are Magnitude Estimates Different?

The slight variation between the NCS and USGS readings is not unusual. Seismic agencies use different monitoring stations and analytical methods. As more data becomes available, the final magnitude may be adjusted.

What Residents Should Do

Experts advise people to remain calm during earthquakes and move to open spaces away from buildings if possible. After tremors stop, it is important to check for structural damage and avoid using elevators in case of aftershocks.

With Kolkata located in a region that occasionally experiences seismic activity, authorities continue to monitor the situation for any aftershocks or updates.