What Happened

  • On Friday, November 21, 2025, strong tremors were felt across Kolkata and several districts of West Bengal, following a magnitude 5.7 earthquake in Bangladesh.

  • The epicentre of the quake was 13 km south-southwest of Narsingdi, Bangladesh, at a shallow depth of 10 km, according to the India Meteorological Department.

  • Tremors in Kolkata were felt around 10:10 AM, lasting for a few seconds, prompting many people to evacuate their homes, offices, and high-rise buildings as a precaution.

  • Despite the intensity of the shaking, no immediate reports of damage or injuries have emerged yet.

How Kolkata Residents Reacted

  • Many residents described the experience as intense — some said their buildings shook for up to 30 seconds.

  • One person posted on social media:

    “I think I just experienced the most intense earthquake of my life; Kolkata was shuddering like a fragile plastic tunnel.”

  • Hospitals saw momentary panic, with staff, patients, and visitors moving outside until things stabilised.

Wider Impact

  • Tremors weren’t just limited to Kolkata: parts of northern and southern West Bengal felt the quake too, including Nadia, North & South 24 Parganas, Murshidabad, Cooch Behar, and Uttar Dinajpur.

  • The earthquake also disrupted a cricket match in Dhaka (Bangladesh vs Ireland) for a brief period, underlining how far the quake’s effects were felt.

  • Some political tension has already emerged: the Bengal BJP made a jibe linking the tremors to the state’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, a point that sparked a sharp response from the ruling TMC.

Why This Matters for Kolkata

  • Vulnerability: Experts point out that Kolkata’s soil conditions (soft, waterlogged) can amplify seismic shaking, increasing risk even from moderate quakes.

  • Urban Density Risk: With many high-rise buildings and packed neighbourhoods, even “minor” earthquakes can become dangerous if preparedness is low.

  • Awareness & Preparedness: This incident is a strong reminder for authorities and citizens alike to maintain and strengthen disaster-management protocols, especially in a city as densely populated as Kolkata.

What Authorities Are Saying

  • The IMD is monitoring the situation and investigating aftershocks.

  • Local officials have urged calm, emphasising that no major damage has yet been reported.

  • Citizens are being advised to avoid spreading panic, stay updated via official channels, and follow precautionary measures.

Safety Tips for Earthquake Preparedness

  1. Have an Emergency Plan: Know safe spots in your home (under sturdy furniture, against interior walls).

  2. Secure Heavy Furniture: Anchoring wardrobes, bookshelves, and heavy appliances reduces risk during shaking.

  3. Disaster Kit: Maintain a basic emergency kit — flashlight, water, first-aid, and essential documents.

  4. Stay Informed: Use trusted sources (IMD, local government) for alerts and updates.

  5. Educate Family & Community: Run regular earthquake drills; ensure everyone knows what to do when tremors strike.

Final Thoughts

The tremors felt in Kolkata today serve as an important wake-up call. Even though the epicentre was in Bangladesh, the impact reverberated strongly across West Bengal, reminding us of our region’s seismic risks. While no damage or casualties have been reported yet, this event underscores the need for continuous urban resilience planning, public awareness, and disaster preparedness.