A significant seismic event originating from Narsingdi, Bangladesh, sent palpable tremors across large swathes of eastern India, with Kolkata experiencing a noticeable jolt that prompted residents to evacuate buildings and instilled a momentary sense of alarm. The 5.7 magnitude earthquake, striking at approximately 9:35 AM IST on a recent morning, underscored the shared geological vulnerability of the region, reminding inhabitants of the earth’s restless nature.
While the epicenter was across the border, its reverberations were powerfully felt in India’s bustling cultural capital. The shaking, described by many as a prolonged swaying motion, stirred memories of past seismic incidents and highlighted the need for continued vigilance and preparedness in a region prone to such geological activity.
Kolkata’s Brief But Intense Jolt
For the residents of Kolkata, the morning calm was abruptly interrupted as buildings began to sway and objects rattled. Reports poured in from various parts of the city, from the high-rises of Salt Lake and New Town to the historic structures of central Kolkata. Many office-goers, already at their desks, reported feeling dizzy as their chairs rocked, prompting immediate evacuation protocols in several multi-storied buildings. Pedestrians on the streets, though less directly affected by building movements, observed signs of disturbance and quickly understood the cause.
“I was in a meeting on the 10th floor when we all suddenly felt a distinct swaying motion,” recounted Mr. Alok Banerjee, a software engineer working in Sector V. “Initially, we thought it might be a passing heavy vehicle, but then the intensity grew, and we realized it was an earthquake. Everyone immediately headed for the stairs. It was a scary few seconds, but thankfully, it subsided quickly.”
The Kolkata Police disaster management unit and the state disaster management authority were immediately alerted, though initial assessments indicated no significant damage to infrastructure or loss of life within the city. This rapid response and the absence of major casualties speak to both the relatively moderate intensity of the tremors experienced in Kolkata and, perhaps, an increasing awareness among the populace. Social media platforms were abuzz with real-time updates and personal accounts, serving as an informal gauge of the earthquake’s reach and impact, stretching beyond Kolkata to other parts of West Bengal and even into Odisha and parts of the Northeast.
Understanding the Regional Seismic Landscape
The eastern part of the Indian subcontinent, encompassing Bangladesh and India’s northeastern states, along with West Bengal, lies in a seismically active zone. This region is significantly influenced by the ongoing collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, which forms the mighty Himalayas. While the primary collision zone is further north, secondary fault lines and plate boundaries, such as the Dauki Fault in Bangladesh and various micro-plates, contribute to frequent seismic activity.
The epicenter in Narsingdi, Bangladesh, approximately 100 kilometers east of Dhaka and around 300 kilometers east-northeast of Kolkata, places the event within this complex geological setting. Bangladesh, in particular, sits atop several active fault lines, making it highly susceptible to earthquakes. India’s Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) categorizes various regions into seismic zones. Parts of West Bengal, including Kolkata, fall into Seismic Zones III and IV, indicating moderate to high risk of earthquakes. Events like the recent one are a stark reminder of these underlying geological forces.
Preparedness and Awareness: A Continual Imperative
While the immediate impact on Kolkata was largely that of alarm rather than destruction, such cross-border tremors serve as crucial reminders for urban preparedness. The increasing density of high-rise buildings in Kolkata necessitates stringent adherence to seismic-resistant construction codes. Public awareness campaigns on “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” protocols, emergency evacuation routes, and the importance of having an earthquake-ready kit are vital.
Furthermore, regional cooperation in seismic monitoring and data sharing between India and Bangladesh is paramount. Understanding the fault lines and stress accumulation points across national borders can provide better early warning capabilities and inform more robust disaster mitigation strategies for the entire region. As the earth continues its inexorable movements, regular drills and public education can significantly reduce panic and potential harm during future seismic events.
The 5.7 magnitude earthquake, though originating elsewhere, brought the reality of seismic vulnerability right to Kolkata’s doorstep, serving as a powerful, albeit brief, jolt to collective consciousness about our shared geological environment.
