Earthquake in Kolkata 2025: Strong Tremors Shake the City, Residents Panic as Buildings Sway

Earthquake in Kolkata 2025: Full Analysis, Impact, and What We Know So Far

The Earthquake in Kolkata 2025 became a major headline on November 21 when a sudden wave of strong tremors jolted the city, leaving millions in shock. Offices were evacuated, residents rushed out of their high-rise buildings, chandeliers swung violently, and social media flooded with videos showing shaking rooms and trembling walls.

The quake was felt across Kolkata, Howrah, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, Nadia, and parts of Assam and Tripura. While the tremors lasted only a few seconds, the intensity left many people recalling the city’s vulnerability to seismic activity.

This detailed report explains what happened, why Kolkata felt such strong tremors, official statements, expert analysis, and what the event means for the future of eastern India.

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What Triggered the Earthquake in Kolkata 2025?

Epicentre in Bangladesh

The main quake originated in Narsingdi, Bangladesh, with a magnitude of around 5.7 on the Richter scale. Because it was a shallow earthquake, seismic waves traveled quickly and strongly across the border into India.

Why Kolkata Felt It So Intensely

Kolkata lies on the Ganga–Brahmaputra delta, an area made of loose alluvial soil. Experts say this type of soil amplifies earthquake vibrations, making tremors feel much stronger than they usually would.

Key geological reasons include:

• Soft deltaic soil that increases ground shaking
• High water content in the soil layers
• Close proximity to the Bangladesh epicenter
• Shallow depth of the earthquake (around 10 km)

Combined, these factors made the Earthquake in Kolkata 2025 feel more intense than its actual magnitude. (Earthquake in Kolkata 2025)

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Immediate Impact in Kolkata

1. Panic and Evacuation

People in:

• Salt Lake IT Hub
• Park Street offices
• Sector V tech parks
• Residential towers in New Town
• Central Kolkata markets

…reported intense shaking. Many buildings were evacuated for safety checks.

2. No Major Structural Damage Reported

Thankfully, no significant infrastructural harm has been confirmed in West Bengal. Authorities did, however, advise citizens to inspect cracks in:

• Old buildings
• Boundary walls
• Water tanks
• Balcony structures

3. Social Media Flooded With Videos

Residents posted clips of:

• Shaking ceiling fans
• Swinging lights
• Moving furniture
• Wobbling water bottles

This made the Earthquake in Kolkata 2025 a trending topic within minutes.

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Bangladesh Reports Casualties

Unlike Kolkata, Bangladesh reported multiple casualties and injuries, mainly due to:

• Building collapses
• Falling debris
• Stampede-like panic situations

This highlights how more densely packed areas with weaker infrastructure face severe outcomes from moderate quakes. (Earthquake in Kolkata 2025)

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Expert Opinions on the Earthquake in Kolkata 2025

1. Seismologists Warn of Eastern India’s Risk Zone

Experts point out that Kolkata is part of Seismic Zone III, which is considered moderate risk but can experience significant shaking because of soil conditions.

2. Probability of Aftershocks

Geologists say mild aftershocks are common in the 24–48 hours after such an event, though most may be too small to feel.

3. Eastern Himalayan Plate Movement

Kolkata is indirectly affected by the continuous movement of:

• The Indian Plate,
• The Eurasian Plate,
• And the Myanmar Microplate.

This region is prone to stress accumulation that triggers earthquakes in Bangladesh, Myanmar, or Northeast India. (Earthquake in Kolkata 2025)

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Government Response and Precautionary Measures

1. West Bengal Disaster Management Team Activated

Officials monitored major buildings, bridges, and flyovers, especially:

• Vidyasagar Setu
• Howrah Bridge
• Metro tunnels
• High-rise housing complexes

2. Metro Rail Operations Temporarily Halted

For safety checks, a few Metro trains were paused for 10–20 minutes before services resumed.

3. Schools & Offices Issued Safety Advisories

Authorities requested that people stay aware and avoid elevators during any future tremors.

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Why Earthquakes in Kolkata Are So Concerning

Kolkata’s Vulnerable Construction Landscape

The city has:

• Numerous old colonial-era buildings
• Large unregulated residential blocks
• Rapidly growing high-rise clusters in Salt Lake and Rajarhat

Many of these structures are not fully compliant with modern seismic safety standards.

Population Density Increases Risk

With over 1.5 crore people in the metropolitan region, even moderate earthquakes can cause large-scale panic.

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Long-Term Impact & What to Expect in Future

1. Increased Monitoring

The 2025 event will likely push authorities to strengthen seismic monitoring systems across:

• North Bengal
• Kolkata metropolitan area
• Bangladesh border regions

2. Stronger Building Regulations Ahead

Experts expect the government to revisit:

• Earthquake-resistant construction norms
• High-rise safety protocols
• Soil testing requirements for new projects

3. Public Awareness Will Rise

The tremors served as a wake-up call. More people are now looking up:

• Emergency safety guidelines
• Home inspection tips
• Earthquake-preparedness kits

4. Possible Aftershocks

While major aftershocks are unlikely, mild ones can still occur. Residents should not panic but stay prepared.

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How to Stay Safe During Future Earthquakes

A quick safety checklist:

If You Are Indoors

• Stay away from windows
• Stand under a strong beam or table
• Do not use elevators
• Protect your head and neck

If You Are Outdoors

• Move to an open ground
• Avoid buildings, streetlights, and electric poles

After the Tremors Stop

• Check for structural cracks
• Turn off gas connections
• Avoid rumor-based panic