A 5.7-magnitude earthquake struck 14 km west-southwest of Narsingdi in Bangladesh at 10:08 AM IST, sending mild tremors through Kolkata and parts of eastern India, prompting precautionary evacuations in high-rise buildings and offices, though no major damage or casualties have been reported as per initial assessments from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and local authorities.
USGS Data and Epicentre Details
The USGS confirmed the earthquake’s magnitude at 5.7, with the epicentre located approximately 14 km from Narsingdi in central Bangladesh, at a shallow depth of 10 km, which amplified the shaking felt up to 500 km away in Kolkata. The quake, classified as moderate, occurred in a seismically active zone along the Indo-Burmese plate boundary, but early reports indicate structural integrity held in affected areas, with residents describing sensations of swaying fans and hanging lights.
Tremors in Kolkata and Eastern India
In Kolkata, the tremors lasted 10-15 seconds, causing brief panic in areas like Salt Lake’s IT sector and central commercial zones, where employees evacuated as a standard protocol. West Bengal Disaster Management Department activated emergency helplines and urged avoidance of elevators, while IMD issued advisories for aftershock monitoring. Similar sensations were reported in Howrah, Hooghly, and Nadia districts, but no infrastructure damage or injuries noted.
Government Response and Safety Measures
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee directed state officials to coordinate with IMD for updates, deploying rapid response teams in vulnerable urban pockets. Kolkata Police increased patrols in high-rises, and civic bodies conducted building safety checks. IMD’s real-time seismic network continues vigilance, with low aftershock risk projected.
Broader Implications for Seismic Preparedness
This event highlights the need for enhanced urban resilience in Kolkata, prone to tremors from Himalayan faults, prompting calls for regular drills and retrofitting. Bangladesh’s civil defence has confirmed no casualties in Narsingdi, with focus on structural assessments.