A powerful earthquake struck Kolkata on Friday afternoon around 1:30 pm, triggering panic across the city and several nearby districts of West Bengal. According to preliminary readings from the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC), the quake measured an estimated magnitude of 5.5. However, official Indian agencies were still verifying the exact intensity and depth at the time of filing this report.
Residents across high-rise buildings and residential colonies reported sudden shaking that lasted for several seconds. Many described ceiling fans swaying, furniture rattling, and utensils clattering inside their homes. Within moments, people rushed out of offices, apartments, and shopping complexes as a precautionary step.
Mild to Moderate Shaking Across West Bengal
The tremors were not limited to Kolkata alone. Several areas in and around the state of West Bengal felt the impact. While the shaking was described as mild to moderate in most places, it was strong enough to cause alarm among citizens.
Videos circulating on social media showed household objects moving and lights flickering during the quake. In some localities, office workers gathered outside buildings, waiting for official instructions before returning indoors.
Emergency response teams were put on alert mode immediately after the tremors were reported. Local disaster management authorities began preliminary checks to assess the situation and ensure public safety.
No Immediate Reports of Major Damage
As of now, there are no confirmed reports of major structural damage or casualties. Authorities stated that inspection of key infrastructure such as bridges, metro lines, and public buildings would continue to rule out any hidden impact.
Hospitals and emergency services remain prepared in case delayed reports emerge. Officials have urged citizens to stay calm and avoid spreading unverified information.
Officials Await Detailed Seismic Data
While early data from international monitoring agencies suggested a magnitude of 5.5, government agencies are conducting their own scientific evaluation to confirm the quake’s strength, epicentre location, and depth. Detailed information is expected to be released soon.
Seismologists say that aftershocks are possible following an earthquake of this intensity, although there is no immediate confirmation of additional tremors so far.
