A 5.1 magnitude earthquake struck the Bay of Bengal on Tuesday morning, causing tremors felt widely across Kolkata and several surrounding areas. The National Center for Seismology (NCS) confirmed the quake occurred at 6:10 AM local time, with the epicenter located at latitude 19.52° N and longitude 88.55° E, approximately 175 kilometers from the Odisha coast.
The earthquake registered at a depth of 91 kilometers, indicating it was fairly deep, which often mitigates surface damage intensity. Fortunately, initial reports indicate no significant damage or casualties were reported, just moments of panic among residents. Many took to social media to share their experiences, noting the unexpected jolts during the early morning hours.
According to the NCS, earthquake magnitude was confirmed on their platforms, with details shared via posts on social media. A user on X mentioned, “Earthquake Alert! Received a Google Earthquake Alert at around 6:10 AM in Kolkata. Reports suggest the epicenter might be 175 km from Orissa. Did anyone else feel the tremors? Awaiting official confirmation. Stay alert and stay safe!” Another user echoed the sentiments, saying, “Earthquake in Kolkata! 5.3 magnitude. Just felt and posting cause awake.”
Kolkata is situated within Seismic Zone III, indicating it faces moderate earthquake risks. Although the city is not as prone to major quakes as regions such as the Northeast, the Himalayas, or Gujarat, tremors do occur periodically, often originating from seismic activity either offshore, as with this quake, or from nearby seismic zones located inland.
Locally, the tremors were felt not just within Kolkata but spread across multiple districts of West Bengal, leading to unease. A notable aspect of this earthquake was its timing, following closely after previous seismic activity. For example, on January 7, Kolkata experienced the aftershocks from Stronger quakes recorded at 7.1 magnitude near Tibet, which had similarly sent tremors throughout the region.
Despite the discomfort felt during the quake on Tuesday, the geological nature of the event, being deep and away from densely populated areas, significantly reduced the likelihood of widespread destruction. Seismologists and local authorities have not issued any tsunami alerts nor reports of notable aftershocks following this quake.
There’s been no update on damage estimates, and authorities have been working to monitor incoming data to analyze the quake's impact fully. A general safety guideline was reminded for residents on how to react during such occurrences: take cover under sturdy furniture, stay indoors if inside high-rise buildings, and evacuate post-quake to open areas.
Seismologists continue to monitor seismic activities along the seafloor of the Bay of Bengal, as the oceanic plate movements contribute significantly to the tectonic dynamics affecting both coastal and inland regions of eastern India. The Indian subcontinent is known for its complex tectonic interactions, which regularly cause changes leading to normal seismic activity.
This earthquake occurrence serves as yet another reminder of the natural forces at play beneath our feet and the importance of maintaining awareness and preparedness for future seismic events, as even minor quakes can have panic-inducing effects.