5.1 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Bay of Bengal, Tremors Jolt Kolkata and Nearby Areas

Kolkata :  A 5.1-magnitude earthquake struck the Bay of Bengal on Tuesday morning, causing tremors in Kolkata and several parts of West Bengal. According to the National Center for Seismology (NCS), the earthquake occurred at 6:10 a.m., jolting residents who reported mild to moderate shaking in different areas.

An official from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) told news agency PTI that the earthquake’s epicenter was recorded near Puri in Odisha. The quake occurred at a depth of 91 kilometers beneath the seabed in the Bay of Bengal, which helped mitigate the impact on land.

Residents in Kolkata and nearby districts like Howrah, Hooghly, and North 24 Parganas reported feeling tremors that lasted for a few seconds. Some people said they experienced light shaking of furniture and household items, while others reported vibrations strong enough to wake them up. However, no significant damage to property or injuries has been reported so far.

“I was just starting my day when I felt the ground shake for a few moments. It was quite unexpected and a bit frightening,” said Soumya Das, a resident of South Kolkata. Similar accounts were shared on social media, where users described the brief but noticeable tremors.

Authorities confirmed that there is no threat of a tsunami following the earthquake, as its magnitude and depth were not sufficient to trigger large waves. The NCS and IMD are closely monitoring the situation and have advised residents to remain calm.

Earthquakes in the Bay of Bengal region are relatively uncommon but not unprecedented. Experts note that the area lies near the boundary of the Indian Plate and the Eurasian Plate, making it susceptible to seismic activity. Tuesday’s quake serves as a reminder of the importance of earthquake preparedness, especially in densely populated urban areas like Kolkata.

Officials have urged the public to follow standard safety protocols during seismic events, such as taking cover under sturdy furniture, staying away from windows, and evacuating buildings if necessary. Emergency services are on standby, though no major incidents have been reported so far.