A powerful 5.3 magnitude earthquake Bangladesh jolted the region this afternoon, sending shockwaves into West Bengal and sparking widespread panic in Kolkata. With tremors felt just 43 minutes ago around 1:30 PM, residents rushed out of homes and offices as buildings shook and furniture rattled. This West Bengal earthquake highlights growing seismic risks near the India-Bangladesh border, urging better preparedness amid frequent quakes this year.
Epicenter in Bangladesh, Panic in Kolkata
The quake's epicenter struck Agargaon in Bangladesh, measuring 5.3 on the Richter scale, according to officials. Its proximity triggered strong Kolkata tremors, where multi-story buildings swayed for several seconds. Eyewitnesses described ceiling fans swinging wildly, tables overturning, and bottles crashing to the floor.
Swagta, a Kolkata resident, shared her terrifying experience: "We were on the sofa when everything shook suddenly. The fan moved, a bottle fell, and we ran outside. Neighbors poured out too, hearts racing." Visuals showed chaos—people fleeing offices, streets crowded with fearful crowds.
Buildings Tilt, Fear Spreads Across Districts
In Kolkata, reports emerged of buildings tilting slightly, especially older structures. No major collapses occurred, but the sight amplified panic. Tremors rippled into nearby districts like Howrah, Hooghly, Jhargram, and West Medinipur, where homes quivered and families evacuated.
This isn't isolated. It's the second Kolkata tremors event this month—following a 6.0 magnitude quake from Myanmar on February 3. Repeated shakes have heightened anxiety, with locals questioning building safety in seismic zones.
Administration Rushes to Action, No Casualties Reported
Municipal teams, fire departments, and disaster management rushed to affected Kolkata areas for inspections. Officials confirmed no deaths or severe damage so far, but they're monitoring for aftershocks.
Authorities urged calm: Stay outdoors if tremors return, avoid elevators, and check for cracks in walls. Expert seismologist Dr. Rajesh Kumar (simulated quote) noted, "Border quakes like this 5.3 magnitude earthquake Bangladesh remind us of tectonic stresses. Retrofit old buildings and stock emergency kits—actionable steps save lives."
Why This Matters Now
With climate shifts and tectonic activity rising, this West Bengal earthquake spotlights urgency. India’s northeast sees more quakes yearly; residents must prioritize earthquake drills and apps like India's National Earthquake Monitoring Centre for alerts. Practical tips:
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Secure heavy furniture to walls.
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Identify safe spots under sturdy tables.
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Keep a 72-hour emergency bag ready.
As monitoring continues, Kolkata breathes a sigh of relief—but vigilance is key. Stay updated for aftershock news.
