Strong Tremors Shake Kolkata, Panic Across West Bengal
Tremors in Kolkata: A Morning of Panic
Strong earthquake tremors jolted Kolkata and several parts of West Bengal at around 10:10 a.m. on Friday, November 21, 2025. The quake, measuring 5.7 magnitude, originated in Bangladesh, but its impact was felt across eastern India.
Residents reported sudden shaking of furniture, ceiling fans, and water bottles. Within seconds, panic spread across offices, schools, and homes. Many rushed outdoors, fearing aftershocks. Viral videos on social media captured the chaos, showing fans swinging and chairs rattling inside homes and workplaces.
Epicenter in Bangladesh: Official Data
According to the National Center for Seismology (NCS), the earthquake struck Bangladesh at a shallow depth of 10 km. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed the epicenter was near Narsingdi, a city about 40 km from Dhaka, Bangladesh’s capital.
Shallow quakes often cause stronger surface tremors, which explains why Kolkata and nearby regions felt the jolts so intensely.
Eyewitness Accounts: “I Thought I Was Dizzy”
In south Kolkata, an office worker described the moment:
“I jolted out of my chair when the floor started shaking. At first, I thought I was dizzy, but then I saw the fans and water bottles moving.”
Similar accounts poured in from Salt Lake, Howrah, and Park Street. In several offices, employees were evacuated as a precaution. Schools reported brief panic among students, though no injuries were reported.
Tremors Beyond West Bengal
The quake wasn’t limited to Kolkata. People in Agartala, Guwahati, and other northeastern cities also reported feeling tremors. In Tripura, residents rushed out of their homes, while in Assam, many shared videos of swaying ceiling lights and shaking cupboards.
No Casualties, But Panic Was Real
So far, no casualties or major damages have been reported. Authorities confirmed that the tremors lasted only a few seconds, but the psychological impact was significant. Earthquake drills and awareness campaigns have often highlighted the importance of quick evacuation, and Friday’s incident showed how preparedness can reduce risks.
Political Reactions: Quake Sparks Online Barbs
Interestingly, the tremors also triggered a political storm online. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“West Bengal just felt earthquake tremors. @MamataOfficial, was it because of SIR?”
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) quickly responded:
“It’s actually the ground shaking beneath the feet of @BJP4Bengal as they stare at an imminent defeat in the 2026 Assembly elections. And don’t worry, the Delhi Zamindars won’t miss it either; the shockwaves will reach them too.”
The exchange highlighted how even natural disasters are often politicized in West Bengal’s charged political atmosphere.
Why Kolkata Felt It Strongly
Experts explain that Kolkata’s alluvial soil and dense urban structures amplify seismic waves. Even moderate quakes in neighboring regions can cause noticeable shaking in the city.
Kolkata lies in Seismic Zone III, which is considered moderately vulnerable. While not as high-risk as Himalayan states, the city has experienced tremors from quakes in Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh in the past.
Earthquake Preparedness in India
The incident has reignited discussions on earthquake preparedness. Authorities urge citizens to:
- Stay calm and avoid panic during tremors.
- Move to open spaces away from buildings.
- Avoid elevators during quakes.
- Keep emergency kits ready with water, food, and first-aid.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) regularly issues guidelines, but experts say awareness remains low in urban areas.
Social Media Flooded With Videos
Within minutes of the quake, hashtags like #KolkataEarthquake and #BangladeshQuake trended on X and Instagram. Videos of shaking fans, swinging lights, and people rushing outdoors went viral.
Memes also surfaced, with some users joking about “Kolkata’s morning shake-up.” However, many posts carried genuine concern, urging authorities to check building safety.
Historical Context: Past Quakes in Bengal
This isn’t the first time Bengal has felt tremors from Bangladesh. In 2021, a 6.0 magnitude quake in Assam shook parts of West Bengal. In 2017, tremors from a Nepal quake were felt in Kolkata.
While Friday’s quake caused no damage, experts warn that urban infrastructure in Kolkata is vulnerable. Many old buildings lack earthquake-resistant design, raising concerns about future risks.
Regional Impact: Dhaka and Narsingdi
In Bangladesh, the quake was felt strongly in Dhaka, where residents reported swaying buildings. Narsingdi, the epicenter, experienced the most intense shaking. Authorities there confirmed no major damages, but emergency teams were deployed to monitor the situation.
Emotional Impact: Fear Lingers
Even after the tremors subsided, fear lingered. Many Kolkata residents admitted they felt anxious throughout the day. Parents rushed to schools to check on children, while office workers discussed safety measures.
Psychologists note that even short tremors can trigger anxiety, especially in densely populated cities.
External Links (Trusted Sources)
- National Center for Seismology – Earthquake Updates
- United States Geological Survey – Latest Earthquakes
- Wikipedia – Earthquakes in India
- NDMA – Earthquake Preparedness Guidelines
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