At 10:08 AM, an earthquake originating in Bangladesh (near Narsingdi) triggered tremors across:
-
Kolkata
-
Howrah
-
North 24 Parganas
-
South 24 Parganas
-
Hooghly
-
Nadia
-
Murshidabad
-
Assam, Meghalaya & Northeast India
People felt shaking for 3–5 seconds, especially in high-rise buildings.
QUICK FACTS TABLE: EARTHQUAKE TODAY IN KOLKATA
|
Parameter |
Details |
|
Date |
21 November 2025 |
|
Time (IST) |
10:08 AM (tremors in Kolkata at ~10:10 AM) |
|
Magnitude |
5.7 |
|
Depth |
Approx. 10 km (very shallow) |
|
Epicentre |
Near Narsingdi, Bangladesh |
|
Distance from Kolkata |
~260–300 km |
|
Effect in Kolkata |
Moderate tremors, people evacuated buildings |
|
Damage |
No major damage reported |
|
Casualties (Bangladesh) |
At least 4 deaths reported |
|
Tremor Duration in Kolkata |
3–5 seconds |
|
Seismic Zone of Kolkata |
Zone III (moderate risk) |
WHAT EXACTLY HAPPENED? (DETAILED REPORT)
➤ Origin of the Earthquake
A 5.7 magnitude earthquake struck central Bangladesh at a depth of ~10 km, which is considered shallow and therefore leads to stronger surface shaking.
➤ Why Kolkata Felt It
Although the quake occurred outside India, Kolkata felt strong tremors because:
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The quake was shallow.
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The seismic waves traveled quickly through soft alluvial soil of the Bengal Basin.
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The epicentre is close—Bangladesh borders West Bengal.
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Kolkata has many high-rise buildings, which amplify shaking.
➤ How Residents Reacted
People reported:
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Fans, lights, and furniture swaying
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Glass doors vibrating
-
Office buildings swaying
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Immediate evacuation from towers
-
Social media filled with “Earthquake Kolkata Just Now” posts
DISTRICT-WISE TREMOR INTENSITY IN WEST BENGAL
|
District |
Tremor Intensity |
Public Reaction |
|
Kolkata |
Moderate |
Strong shaking felt, office evacuation |
|
Howrah |
Light–Moderate |
People stepped outdoors |
|
Hooghly |
Mild |
Some shaking in high-rises |
|
North 24 Parganas |
Moderate |
Fans & lights swinging |
|
South 24 Parganas |
Mild |
Light vibrations |
|
Nadia |
Moderate |
People reported noticeable shaking |
|
Murshidabad |
Light |
Mild tremors |
|
Darjeeling |
None |
No reports |
|
Cooch Behar |
Light |
Slight shaking |
|
Jalpaiguri |
Light |
Very mild tremors |
WHY DID KOLKATA FEEL STRONG SHAKING? (SCIENTIFIC EXPLANATION)
1. Shallow Depth (10 km)
Shallow quakes always produce stronger felt shaking.
2. Soft Soil of Kolkata
Kolkata is built on riverine alluvial clay, which amplifies seismic waves.
3. Proximity to Epicentre
Bangladesh border is very close; seismic waves reached Kolkata within seconds.
4. Basin Effect
The Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna Basin helps channel energy efficiently.
5. High-Rise Resonance
Multi-storey towers in Salt Lake, New Town, and central Kolkata swayed noticeably.
EARTHQUAKE ZONES OF WEST BENGAL (HIGH-RISK TABLE)
West Bengal is divided into three seismic zones:
|
Zone |
Risk Level |
Districts |
|
Zone V |
Very High Risk |
Parts of North Bengal (Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar) |
|
Zone IV |
High Risk |
Malda, North & South Dinajpur, some northern districts |
|
Zone III |
Moderate Risk |
Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly, 24 Parganas, Nadia |
Kolkata lies in Zone III, but still experiences tremors from nearby strong earthquakes.
EARTHQUAKE MAGNITUDE VS IMPACT (REFERENCE GRID)
|
Magnitude |
Impact |
|
Below 3.0 |
Not felt |
|
3.0–4.0 |
Felt slightly indoors |
|
4.0–5.0 |
Light shaking, no damage |
|
5.0–6.0 |
Moderate shaking, minor damage |
|
6.0–7.0 |
Strong shaking, structural cracks |
|
7.0–8.0 |
Major damage |
|
8.0+ |
Devastating |
Today’s quake (5.7) was strong enough to be felt widely but not strong enough to cause structural damage in Kolkata.
WHAT PEOPLE REPORTED IN KOLKATA (REAL OBSERVATIONS)
Residents described:
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“Bed shaking suddenly.”
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“Fans started moving.”
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“Office chairs moved.”
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“Glass windows rattled.”
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“Lift stopped automatically.”
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“Everyone ran downstairs.”
Such responses are typical for shallow mid-magnitude quakes.
EARTHQUAKE SAFETY GUIDE (TODAY’S CONTEXT)
✔ If You Are Indoors
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DROP to the floor
-
COVER under a sturdy table
-
HOLD ON
✔ If You Are in a High-Rise
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Stay away from windows
-
Do NOT use elevators
-
Move to a safe corner
✔ If You Are Outdoors
-
Move to an open space
-
Avoid buildings, trees, electric poles
✔ After the Tremor
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Check for gas leaks
-
Avoid damaged buildings
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Expect aftershocks
-
Stay tuned to official news
EARTHQUAKE EMERGENCY CHECKLIST (PRINTABLE)
Must-Have Items
-
First-aid kit
-
Drinking water (3 days supply)
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Flashlight with extra batteries
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Power bank
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Emergency whistle
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Copies of important documents
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Essential medicines
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Radio or alternative communication
COMPARISON WITH PAST TREMBLORS FELT IN KOLKATA
|
Year |
Magnitude |
Epicentre |
Impact in Kolkata |
|
2025 (Today) |
5.7 |
Bangladesh |
Moderate shaking |
|
2021 |
4.2 |
Assam |
Mild tremors |
|
2015 |
7.8 |
Nepal |
Strong shaking felt |
|
2011 |
6.9 |
Sikkim |
Noticeable tremors |
|
2006 |
5.2 |
Bangladesh |
Mild to moderate shaking |
WILL THERE BE AN AFTERSHOCK?
Possibly.
Shallow earthquakes frequently produce aftershocks.
People should remain alert for the next 24–48 hours.
FAQ
1. Was there an earthquake in Kolkata just now?
Yes, tremors were felt around 10:10 AM IST.
2. What caused today’s Kolkata earthquake?
It originated from a 5.7 magnitude quake in Bangladesh.
3. How strong were the tremors?
Moderate – enough to sway fans, lights, and buildings.
4. Any damage in Kolkata?
No major damage reported so far.
5. Is Kolkata earthquake-prone?
It lies in Zone III, a moderate-risk region.
6. Was the earthquake felt in other parts of India?
Yes, tremors reached northeast India and parts of Bihar.
FINAL SUMMARY
The earthquake in Kolkata today was a moderate-intensity tremor triggered by a 5.7 magnitude earthquake in Bangladesh. Though brief, it caused strong vibrations across the city and reminded everyone of the region’s vulnerability to seismic events.
No major damage has been reported, but residents should stay alert for aftershocks and follow safety guidelines.
