Introduction: Strong Tremors Shake Eastern India
Mild panic spread across parts of Kolkata and Northeast India on Friday morning after tremors were felt across the region. The shaking was triggered by a 5.5-magnitude earthquake that struck close to Dhaka, Bangladesh. Although the tremors were noticeable in several Indian cities, authorities have confirmed that no damage or casualties were reported. This incident emphasizes the area’s susceptibility to seismic activity once more, particularly in places that are part of active tectonic zones.
Earthquake Origin and Epicentre Details
According to early information from the US Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake occurred near Narsingdi, a district located roughly 50 kilometres from Dhaka. The quake had a depth of around 10 kilometres, classifying it as a shallow earthquake. People in far-off places like Kolkata (Dhaka) and Guwahati could clearly feel the shaking since shallow earthquakes typically produce bigger vibrations over a larger surface area.
Because of the shifting tectonic plates in the area, Bangladesh frequently experiences moderate earthquakes. But Friday’s earthquake was powerful enough to be felt beyond of its boundaries, briefly upsetting neighboring Indian states.
Tremors Felt in Kolkata
The earthquakes began around 10:10 a.m. in Kolkata (Dhaka) and lasted for a few seconds. A strong shaking sensation was described by multiple people, causing residents of multi-story buildings to run outside. As a precaution, office workers, students, and housewives temporarily left buildings.
The earthquakes were “short but sharp,” according to the locals, and several of them called family members to make sure they were okay. Citizens were informed by local authorities that there were currently no indications of emergency situations or building damage.
Disaster-response teams and the Kolkata Municipal Corporation kept an eye on the situation, but they verified that everything was still under control.
Social Media Flooded With Videos and Reactions
Social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, and X reported a spike in posts from Kolkata residents expressing their experiences within moments of the earthquake. A number of recordings taken inside houses and workplaces showed individuals running outside in confusion and ceiling fans trembling.
These messages quickly spread, confirming the extent of the earthquakes throughout eastern India. As people from other cities shared similar tales of the shaking, earthquake-related hashtags started to trend.
Tremors Across West Bengal: Cooch Behar and More
Beyond Kolkata, several districts in North Bengal also experienced mild tremors. These included:
- Cooch Behar
- Dakshin Dinajpur
- Uttar Dinajpur
Although the shaking was brief, residents in these places said that it was sufficiently strong to be felt indoors. There had been no reports of damage, therefore public institutions like schools carried on as usual.
Northeast India Also Feels the Quake
The impact was not limited to West Bengal. Cities across Northeast India also felt the tremors, including:
- Guwahati
- Agartala
- Shillong
Because these areas are located in extremely active seismic zones, even small earthquakes from nearby nations frequently cause tremors to spread throughout northeastern states. Residents were reassured about their safety when local officials in these areas made brief evaluations and found no indications of disturbances.
Dhaka Test Match Momentarily Interrupted
On the cricket field, one peculiar consequence of the earthquake was observed. The earthquakes caused a brief stoppage to the ongoing Test match between Bangladesh and Ireland in Dhaka. For safety considerations, the game was temporarily paused when players felt the earth tremble. Play resumed without any more disruptions when officials verified there was no concern after a few minutes.
This brief interruption demonstrated the proximity of the epicenter to the capital city and the intensity of the tremors felt there.
Why This Region Frequently Experiences Earthquakes
Bangladesh, Northeast India, and Eastern India are located at the borders of multiple tectonic plates. There is tremendous pressure in the area as the Indian Plate presses against the Eurasian Plate. The region is prone to seismic activity because this pressure frequently releases as earthquakes.
Regions like:
- Eastern India
- Bangladesh
- Nepal
- Bhutan
- Northeastern states
are especially vulnerable to moderate-to-strong seismic activity. Seismologists often advise locals to keep alert and ready for crises, even though the 5.5-magnitude earthquake did not cause any damage.
Expert Opinion: Should Residents Be Concerned?
Although Friday’s earthquake in dhaka did not result in any damage, geologists and disaster mitigation specialists said it is used as a reminder of the area’s seismic sensitivity. To lower hazards during greater earthquakes, regular drills, awareness campaigns, and structural safety regulations are crucial.
Experts also stress how crucial it is to avoid panicking. The majority of earthquakes that occur in nearby nations or far-off seismic zones are the secondary causes of the tremors that are felt in cities like Dhaka in Kolkata.
Conclusion: A Reminder of Nature’s Unpredictability
The immediate reminder of how unexpected natural events may be came from the 5.5-magnitude earthquake that struck close to Dhaka. Fortunately, there were no injuries or damage from the episode, which attracted a lot of attention and caused tremors in Kolkata, West Bengal, and portions of Northeast India.
The incident emphasizes the value of readiness, alertness, and trustworthy communication during tremors as monitoring continues. Residents can relax for the time being because the situation is still stable and under control.
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