Earthquake in Kolkata 2025: On the morning of November 21, 2025, Kolkata and several adjoining districts of South Bengal were shaken by tremors originating from a 5.7‑magnitude earthquake in Bangladesh. The epicentre was located near Narsingdi, about 13–14 km south‑southwest of the Ghorashal area, at a shallow depth of 10 km. The quake struck at 10:08 AM IST, according to both the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and the European‑Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC).

Though the tremors lasted only about 20 seconds, they caused widespread panic. Residents rushed out of homes, office workers evacuated buildings, and social media was flooded with accounts of swinging fans and shaking furniture.

2. Seismological Details: Understanding the Quake

• Magnitude: 5.7 on the Richter scale.
• Depth: 10 km (shallow quakes cause stronger surface tremors).
• Location: Near Narsingdi, Bangladesh.
• Timing: 10:08 AM IST.
• Agencies reporting: USGS, EMSC, National Centre for Seismology (India).

Shallow earthquakes like this one often produce more noticeable shaking even if the magnitude is moderate, explaining why Kolkata felt such strong tremors despite being outside Bangladesh.

3. Impact in Kolkata and South Bengal

Residents across Kolkata, Salt Lake, and Sector V reported intense shaking.

• Fans and furniture visibly moved.
• Tremors lasted 20–30 seconds in some areas.
• Panic led to mass evacuations from offices and schools.
• Social media users described it as “small quake but big panic.”

Despite the alarm, no immediate casualties or major structural damage were reported.

4. Regional Seismic Vulnerability

South Asia lies in a seismically active zone due to the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates. Bangladesh, West Bengal, and the Northeast are particularly vulnerable because of:

• Fault lines: Indo‑Burman ranges, Shillong plateau.
• Soft alluvial soil: Amplifies tremors in Kolkata.
• Dense population: High risk of casualties in urban centres.

This quake followed two moderate earthquakes earlier the same day in Pakistan and Afghanistan, highlighting the region’s seismic instability.

5. Public Reaction and Panic

Eyewitness accounts show the psychological impact of even moderate quakes:

• Workers in Sector V IT hub evacuated offices.
• Residents in Salt Lake reported fans and sofas shaking.
• Social media amplified panic, with users posting videos of swinging fixtures.

This underscores the need for public awareness campaigns on earthquake safety.

6. Government and Institutional Response

• National Centre for Seismology (NCS): Confirmed tremors across Bengal.
• Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC): Monitored for damage reports.
• Disaster Management Authorities: Issued advisories on preparedness.

Though no casualties were reported, the event served as a wake‑up call for disaster readiness.

7. Preparedness Challenges in Kolkata

Kolkata faces unique risks:

• Old buildings: Many colonial‑era structures are vulnerable.
• High population density: Evacuation is difficult.
• Limited drills: Few residents know safety protocols.

The tremors highlight the urgent need for earthquake‑resistant infrastructure and public drills.

8. Lessons from Global Best Practices

Countries like Japan have invested heavily in:

• Earthquake‑resistant construction codes.
• Public education campaigns.
• Early warning systems.

India, and specifically West Bengal, can adapt these practices to reduce vulnerability.

9. Broader Implications

The quake raises important questions:

• How prepared is Kolkata for a stronger earthquake?
• Are building codes being enforced?
• Is public awareness sufficient?

The answers will determine whether future tremors remain mere scares or escalate into disasters.

10. Conclusion

The Earthquake in Kolkata 2025 was a reminder of the region’s seismic vulnerability. Though no casualties occurred, the panic it caused shows the gap in preparedness. Strengthening infrastructure, enforcing building codes, and educating citizens are essential steps to ensure safety in future quakes.

🔗 Government External Links

For further reading and official updates, here are relevant government sources:

• National Centre for Seismology (India): https://seismo.gov.in
• Ministry of Earth Sciences (India): https://moes.gov.in
• Disaster Management Division, Ministry of Home Affairs: https://ndmindia.mha.gov.in
• West Bengal Disaster Management Department: https://wbdisaster.gov.in
• United States Geological Survey (USGS – Earthquake Hazards): https://earthquake.usgs.gov

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