BREAKING: Strong Earthquake Jolts Kolkata and Eastern India – Panic Spreads Amid 5.5 Magnitude Tremor
Terrifying Shakes in the Early Hours! A Powerful Earthquake Rattles Kolkata and Odisha
The Shocking Tremor That Shook Eastern India
A powerful magnitude 5.5 earthquake was felt across Kolkata and neighboring states early this morning, sending shockwaves of panic among residents. The earthquake struck 175 km from Odisha at 6:10 AM, waking up thousands as buildings shook and alarms blared. Tremors were widely reported in West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand, and Bihar, with many taking to social media to describe the terrifying experience.
Exact Location and Depth of the Earthquake
According to preliminary data from seismology experts, the epicenter was located in the Bay of Bengal region, near the Odisha coastline. The quake occurred at a moderate depth of approximately 40 km beneath the surface, making the tremors strong enough to be felt in major cities like Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, and Ranchi.
Panic and Immediate Public Reactions
Residents of Kolkata reported sudden shaking that lasted for several seconds, leading to a wave of panic. Many rushed out of their homes and apartments, fearing structural damage. Social media platforms flooded with posts, with hashtags like #EarthquakeKolkata and #KolkataTremors trending within minutes.
“We were asleep when the bed suddenly started shaking. We ran out into the streets. It was terrifying,” said Amit Bhattacharya, a resident of South Kolkata.
Shops, offices, and schools in the region reported temporary disruptions, but no major casualties have been confirmed as of now.
Impact on Kolkata: Buildings Sway and People Run for Safety
While Kolkata is not known for frequent high-magnitude earthquakes, its dense urban infrastructure makes it vulnerable to damage. Reports suggest that high-rise buildings in areas like Salt Lake, Park Street, and Howrah swayed for a few seconds, sending people into a frenzy.
Local authorities are assessing structural damages, and experts have advised residents to check for cracks in buildings and remain vigilant.
Expert Analysis: Is a Bigger Quake Coming?
Seismologists from the National Center for Seismology (NCS) warn that aftershocks may follow in the next 24–48 hours. However, the probability of a stronger earthquake is currently low.
“Eastern India, particularly along the Bay of Bengal, sits on a seismically active zone. While today’s tremor wasn’t catastrophic, we must remain alert,” said Dr. Sandeep Roy, a senior seismologist.
Safety Measures and What To Do Next
In the wake of the tremor, authorities urge citizens to follow these safety precautions:
- Avoid elevators and use staircases if exiting buildings.
- Check gas leaks and switch off main electrical connections.
- Stay away from glass windows, billboards, and tall structures.
- Keep an emergency bag ready with essentials like food, water, and first-aid kits.
Historic Earthquakes in Kolkata and Eastern India
Kolkata has witnessed several earthquakes over the decades, some of which caused significant damage. Notable ones include:
- 1897 Shillong Earthquake (Magnitude 8.1) – One of the deadliest earthquakes in Indian history.
- 1934 Bihar-Nepal Earthquake (Magnitude 8.0) – Impacted parts of West Bengal, causing widespread destruction.
- 2015 Nepal Earthquake (Magnitude 7.8) – Tremors felt across Kolkata, shaking high-rises.
Government Response and Next Steps
The West Bengal government and disaster management teams have been put on high alert. Officials have urged residents to remain calm and report any significant damage.
Authorities are also inspecting old buildings and bridges to ensure they can withstand future seismic activity.