Tuesday 15 April 2025
Magnitude 5.1 Earthquake Strikes Bay of Bengal
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The people ofKolkatawoke up to unexpected tremors on Tuesday morning when an earthquake of magnitude 5.1 struck at around 6:10 AM. The National Centre for Seismology (NCS) confirmed the incident, reporting that the earthquake was felt across several parts of Kolkata and West Bengal. While the tremors caused a brief moment of panic, there were no reports of any casualties or structural damage.
According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the earthquake originated near Puri in Odisha, with its epicenter located in the Bay of Bengal at a depth of 91 km. The geographical coordinates of theearthquakewere recorded as 19.52N latitude and 88.55E longitude. Given the significant depth of the tremor, the impact on the surface was relatively mild, leading to no significant damage.
While the quake was not severe, it caused fear among residents, especially those who were asleep when the tremors struck. Many rushed out of their homes in panic, recalling past earthquake incidents. However, disaster management officials reassured the public that there was no imminent threat of aftershocks or tsunami warnings.
Shortly after the tremors were felt, social media platforms were flooded with posts from users sharing their experiences. Many Kolkata residents took to X (formerly Twitter) to report their encounters with the earthquake. Hashtags related to the earthquake began trending briefly as netizens checked on each other and sought official confirmation.
The National Centre for Seismology (NCS) also posted about the event on X, stating: “EQ of M: 5.1, On: 25/02/2025 06:10:25 IST, Lat: 19.52 N, Long: 88.55 E, Depth: 91 Km, Location: Bay of Bengal.”
One user shared, “Earthquake Alert! Received a Google Earthquake Alert at around 6:10 AM in Kolkata. Reports suggest the epicenter might be 175 km from Odisha. Did anyone else feel the tremors? Awaiting official confirmation. Stay alert and stay safe!”
Another user wrote, “Earthquake in Kolkata! 5.3 magnitude. Just felt and posting cause awake.”
These posts sparked discussions about earthquake preparedness, with some users pointing out Kolkata’s vulnerability to seismic activities.
Kolkata is classified under Seismic Zone III, indicating a moderate risk of earthquakes. While it is not as prone to severe quakes as regions in the Himalayan belt, northeastern India, or Gujarat, the city has experienced tremors originating from surrounding areas such as Nepal, North-East India, and the Bay of Bengal. The region’s geological setup makes it susceptible to indirect seismic activity rather than originating quakes.
Experts have often emphasized the need for earthquake-resistant infrastructure and awareness programs in urban areas like Kolkata to mitigate potential risks. While Tuesday’s tremor did not cause any harm, it served as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and quick response measures.
Just two days before the Kolkata earthquake, a moderate-intensity earthquake struck Himachal Pradeshs Mandi district on Sunday at 8:42 AM. According to the Met Office, the earthquake measured 3.7 on the Richter scale, with its epicenter located at 31.48N latitude and 76.95E longitude in the Mandi region.
The quake struck near Kiargi in the Sundernagar area at a depth of 7 km. Though tremors were felt in several parts of the district, no casualties or property damage were reported. Given that Mandi district falls under Seismic Zone Vone of the highest-risk zones for earthquakesthe event highlighted the vulnerability of the region to seismic activities.
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