5.7 Magnitude Earthquake in Bangladesh: Tremors Felt in Kolkata, No Damage Reported

A mild yet noticeable earthquake caused panic across parts of eastern India on Friday morning after a 5.7-magnitude quake struck Bangladesh. The tremors, which lasted only a few seconds, were strong enough for people in Kolkata and several neighbouring districts to step out of their homes and workplaces. According to the National Center for Seismology (NCS), the quake occurred around 10:08 am IST, with its epicentre located roughly 10 km east-southeast of Dhaka.
Even though no major damage or injuries have been reported so far, the incident triggered momentary alarm across multiple states.

1. Earthquake Originates Near Dhaka

Scientists confirmed that the tremor originated close to Dhaka, a region known for moderate seismic activity due to its tectonic positioning. Friday morning’s quake registered 5.7 on the Richter scale, strong enough to be felt beyond Bangladesh’s borders.

2. Tremors Shake Kolkata and Nearby Districts

Residents in Kolkata, Howrah, North 24 Parganas and South 24 Parganas reported light shaking. Many said they noticed ceiling fans swaying and light fixtures moving, prompting them to step outside for safety.

3. People Rush Out of Buildings

Office staff, schoolchildren, and local residents were seen gathering in open areas immediately after the tremors. Videos and photos shared on social media showed groups of people standing outside office towers and residential complexes.

4. Tremors Felt Across Multiple States

Besides West Bengal, the quake’s impact extended to Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram, and parts of Assam. Initial observations suggest a fairly wide intensity range across the Northeast.

5. NCS Issues Initial Assessment

The National Center for Seismology reported the quake's magnitude and location within minutes. Their assessment indicated no significant aftershocks, though monitoring continues as a precaution.

6. Officials Confirm No Casualties

Authorities in both India and Bangladesh confirmed that no injuries, deaths, or major structural damage had been reported as of the latest update. Local disaster management teams remain alert.

7. Panic But No Major Disruption

While the tremors caused brief panic, especially in multi-storey buildings, essential services remained unaffected. Metro and rail services in Kolkata continued without interruptions.

8. Seismic Experts Explain Why Kolkata Felt the Tremors

Kolkata often feels tremors originating in Bangladesh due to the region’s soft soil composition, which amplifies low to moderate seismic waves. Experts say such occurrences are not unusual.

9. Social Media Flooded With Visuals

Residents quickly posted updates online, sharing videos of swinging fans, shaking windows, and people evacuating buildings. The hashtag related to the earthquake trended locally on several platforms.

10. Authorities Urge Citizens to Stay Informed

Disaster response teams advised people to stay calm and follow verified updates from government and seismology departments. Citizens were reminded of basic safety steps during earthquakes.