5.5 earthquake felt in Kolkata, epicentre in Bangladesh near border
Kolkata felt a strong shake on Friday, and many people rushed out of offices and homes in fear. India’s National Centre for Seismology (NCS) recorded it as a 5.5 magnitude earthquake in Bangladesh, about 10 km deep, near Nayabazar, close to the India–Bangladesh border.
What happened, and was anyone hurt?
The tremors were felt in Kolkata and several parts of West Bengal. People in high-rise buildings felt swaying, and some schools and offices were briefly evacuated.
Early updates said no deaths were reported. However, in areas closer to the epicentre, especially some border districts, there were reports of cracks in walls, fallen tiles, and minor building damage, including around Basirhat.
This is common with medium-sized quakes near the border: Kolkata is far enough to avoid major damage most of the time, but close enough to feel the shaking clearly.
Why did Kolkata shake if the epicentre was in Bangladesh?
Earthquake waves travel long distances and don’t stop at borders. Also, Kolkata’s ground can make shaking feel stronger.
Kolkata sits on soft river- and delta-soil (deep sediments). Soft soil can increase shaking compared to solid rock, so that the tremors can feel stronger in the city, especially in tall buildings.
Is the Bengal–Bangladesh region earthquake-prone?
Yes. Even though the region looks flat, the tectonic activity nearby is serious:
- The Himalayas are to the north (a major collision zone).
- The Shillong Plateau and major faults (like the Dauki Fault) are nearby.
- The Indo-Burma belt lies to the east.
Because of these active zones and faults, the plains of Bengal and Bangladesh can face moderate to high earthquake risk, even if big earthquakes don’t happen every year.
Is Kolkata earthquake-prone?
Yes, Kolkata often feels tremors from earthquakes in Bangladesh, northeast India, and the Himalayas. What’s less common is a major quake directly under the city.
In India’s seismic zoning, Kolkata is usually in Zone III (moderate risk), and some studies say it lies close to the Zone III–Zone IV boundary, where risk can increase. Local soil conditions can also worsen the impact.
What’s the safety takeaway?
The message isn’t panic, it’s preparedness.
Kolkata has many older buildings and crowded areas. In a stronger quake, injuries can happen from falling plaster, weak walls, and blocked exits, even if the shaking is short. Following building safety codes, strengthening older structures, and doing regular drills can reduce harm.
If a tremor happens again:
- Drop, Cover, and Hold On
- Stay away from windows and heavy shelves
- After it stops, use stairs, not lifts, and watch out for aftershocks
#KolkataEarthquake #BangladeshEpicentre #Magnitude5.5 #BengalBasin #SeismicZoneIII #DaukiFault #IndoBurmaBelt #SoftSoilAmplification #EarthquakePreparedness #DropCoverHoldOn
5.5 earthquake felt in Kolkata, epicentre in Bangladesh near border
Kolkata felt a strong shake on Friday, and many people rushed out of offices and homes in fear. India’s National Centre for Seismology (NCS) recorded it as a 5.5 magnitude earthquake in Bangladesh, about 10 km deep, near Nayabazar, close to the India–Bangladesh border.
What happened, and was anyone hurt?
The tremors were felt in Kolkata and several parts of West Bengal. People in high-rise buildings felt swaying, and some schools and offices were briefly evacuated.
Early updates said no deaths were reported. However, in areas closer to the epicentre, especially some border districts, there were reports of cracks in walls, fallen tiles, and minor building damage, including around Basirhat.
This is common with medium-sized quakes near the border: Kolkata is far enough to avoid major damage most of the time, but close enough to feel the shaking clearly.
Why did Kolkata shake if the epicentre was in Bangladesh?
Earthquake waves travel long distances and don’t stop at borders. Also, Kolkata’s ground can make shaking feel stronger.
Kolkata sits on soft river- and delta-soil (deep sediments). Soft soil can increase shaking compared to solid rock, so that the tremors can feel stronger in the city, especially in tall buildings.
Is the Bengal–Bangladesh region earthquake-prone?
Yes. Even though the region looks flat, the tectonic activity nearby is serious:
- The Himalayas are to the north (a major collision zone).
- The Shillong Plateau and major faults (like the Dauki Fault) are nearby.
- The Indo-Burma belt lies to the east.
Because of these active zones and faults, the plains of Bengal and Bangladesh can face moderate to high earthquake risk, even if big earthquakes don’t happen every year.
Is Kolkata earthquake-prone?
Yes, Kolkata often feels tremors from earthquakes in Bangladesh, northeast India, and the Himalayas. What’s less common is a major quake directly under the city.
In India’s seismic zoning, Kolkata is usually in Zone III (moderate risk), and some studies say it lies close to the Zone III–Zone IV boundary, where risk can increase. Local soil conditions can also worsen the impact.
What’s the safety takeaway?
The message isn’t panic, it’s preparedness.
Kolkata has many older buildings and crowded areas. In a stronger quake, injuries can happen from falling plaster, weak walls, and blocked exits, even if the shaking is short. Following building safety codes, strengthening older structures, and doing regular drills can reduce harm.
If a tremor happens again:
- Drop, Cover, and Hold On
- Stay away from windows and heavy shelves
- After it stops, use stairs, not lifts, and watch out for aftershocks
#KolkataEarthquake #BangladeshEpicentre #Magnitude5.5 #BengalBasin #SeismicZoneIII #DaukiFault #IndoBurmaBelt #SoftSoilAmplification #EarthquakePreparedness #DropCoverHoldOn
