Life in the bustling metropolis of Kolkata came to a temporary standstill on Friday afternoon as a sharp, prolonged earthquake rippled through the region. Striking at 1:22 PM, the tremor forced thousands of office-goers, shoppers, and residents into the streets. While the epicenter was located across the border in Satkhira, Bangladesh, the proximity—estimated at roughly 100–150 km from the heart of Kolkata—meant the shockwaves traveled swiftly through the soft alluvial soil of the Gangetic delta.
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Regional Impact: “The Strongest Tremors I Have Felt”
The psychological impact of the quake was immediate, with social media flooding with accounts of swaying fans and rattling windows.
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High-Rise Panic: Residents in Salt Lake and Behala reported that buildings swayed for several seconds. “It was so strong the building moved,” noted one 12-year-old resident.
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Evacuations: Large crowds gathered in open spaces in Dalhousie, Salt Lake, and other office hubs. Many people reported seeing objects fall from shelves and furniture trembling.
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Public Gatherings: The quake struck during public events; visuals showed Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar continuing an address in Kolkata even as cameras shook.
Seismic Data: Why It Felt So Strong
The perception of an earthquake depends on depth and magnitude.
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Shallow Depth: The National Centre for Seismology (NCS) recorded the depth at 10 km, which is considered shallow. Shallow earthquakes typically cause more intense shaking at the surface compared to deeper ones.
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Conflicting Readings: While the NCS and EMSC estimated the magnitude at 5.5, the USGS provided a slightly lower reading of 5.3. Such variations are common during the first few hours of data refinement.
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Vulnerability of the Gangetic Delta
Kolkata and southwestern Bangladesh lie in a seismically sensitive zone. The region’s soft, silt-heavy soil—typical of a river delta—can amplify seismic waves, making even moderate quakes like this one feel significantly more “violent” than they might on harder rock surfaces. This quake serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of the aging, congested structures in older parts of the city.
Reality Check
A 5.5 magnitude quake is categorized as “moderate.” Still, the intensity felt in high-rise buildings can be terrifying. Therefore, while there are no reports of “mass casualties,” the potential for minor structural cracks in older buildings is high. In fact, if you live in a building older than 50 years, you should inspect your walls for new hairline fractures that may have appeared during the several seconds of shaking.
The Loopholes
The earthquake struck at 1:22 PM. In fact, this is a “Warning Loophole”—while many modern smartphones received automatic earthquake alerts, those in older buildings or with limited connectivity only realized what was happening once the shaking became violent. Therefore, the “preparatory time” was non-existent for the vast majority. Still, the “Alluvial Loophole”—the fact that the ground in Bengal acts like jelly during quakes—means the aftershocks might feel more pronounced than they actually are.
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What This Means for You
If you felt the tremors today, remain vigilant for aftershocks. First, realize that aftershocks are common within the first 24–48 hours of a moderate quake. Then, if you are in a high-rise, identify your “safe zones”—away from windows and under sturdy tables—should a second tremor occur.
Finally, understand that your building’s elevator should be avoided for the next few hours. You should check your property for any signs of structural distress. Before the day ends, ensure your emergency kit (torch, power bank, first aid) is easily accessible, as seismic activity along the Indo-Burmese arc has been erratic throughout early 2026.
What’s Next
The National Centre for Seismology will continue to monitor the region for aftershocks. Then, look for a “Structural Integrity Report” from local municipal bodies regarding old Kolkata neighborhoods. Finally, expect a renewed push for Earthquake Preparedness Drills in schools and offices across West Bengal and Bangladesh in the coming week.
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