A mild earthquake strikes Bay of Bengal; Tremors felt in Kolkata
Seismologists say the quake’s depth of 91 km likely dissipated much of its energy before reaching the surface, reducing its impact.
A magnitude 5.1 earthquake struck the Bay of Bengal early Tuesday morning, sending mild tremors through Kolkata and parts of West Bengal. The seismic event, recorded at 6:10 a.m., had its epicenter located at latitude 19.52°N and longitude 88.55°E, approximately in the central region of the Bay of Bengal, at a depth of 91 km, according to the National Center for Seismology (NCS).
The NCS reported the quake on social media, 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." While the earthquake’s moderate magnitude and significant depth suggest a lower risk of widespread damage, residents in Kolkata and surrounding areas reported feeling brief tremors. No immediate reports of injuries or structural damage have emerged, and authorities have not issued a tsunami warning as of 7:00 a.m.
The Bay of Bengal, situated between the Indian subcontinent and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is known for occasional seismic activity due to its proximity to tectonic boundaries, including the Sunda Trench. However, earthquakes of this magnitude are relatively uncommon in this specific region, with most significant seismic events historically occurring closer to the Andaman Islands or along the Himalayan fault lines.
In Kolkata, a bustling metropolis of over 14 million people, the tremors startled some residents awake, though the effects were described as mild. Local officials are monitoring the situation, and no disruptions to transportation or infrastructure have been reported.
Seismologists note that the quake’s depth of 91 km likely dissipated much of its energy before reaching the surface, reducing its impact. “At this depth, the shaking is usually less intensive compared to shallower quakes,” explained Dr. Anil Gupta, a geophysicist based in Delhi. “A magnitude 5.1 event can certainly be felt over a wide area, but it’s unlikely to cause significant harm unless it’s closer to land and shallower.”
This event follows a pattern of seismic activity in the broader region, with a notable 7.1 magnitude earthquake striking Tibet near the Nepalese border in early January 2025, which also sent tremors into parts of northern India, including West Bengal. Today’s quake, however, appears unrelated, originating from a different tectonic setting in the Bay of Bengal.
The NCS has encouraged residents to stay informed via its official channels and the BhooKamp app for real-time updates. While aftershocks remain a possibility, experts suggest they are unlikely to exceed the initial quake’s strength. As of now, life in Kolkata continues as normal, with no major alerts issued by local authorities.
This is a developing story, and further details may emerge as monitoring continues throughout the day.
