Netizens Share Panic-Filled Reactions to Earthquake Tremors Felt in Kolkata
Tremors in Kolkata trigger panic online, with residents sharing fear-filled accounts of the quake.
Strong tremors from a moderate earthquake originating in neighbouring Bangladesh jolted Kolkata and surrounding areas on Friday afternoon, prompting widespread panic as residents rushed out of homes, offices, schools, and high-rise buildings. The quake, reported between 4.9 and 5.4 magnitude depending on sources such as the USGS, EMSC, and Bangladesh Meteorological Department, struck around 1:22 pm to 1:52 pm IST, with its epicentre located in southwestern Bangladesh near Khulna or close to the India-Bangladesh border. No immediate reports of casualties or major structural damage emerged, though the shaking lasted several seconds and caused swaying furniture, rattling windows, and vibrating structures in many parts of the city.
Social media platforms quickly flooded with reactions from Kolkata residents, many describing the experience as alarming despite the quake's moderate intensity. Posts highlighted personal accounts of fear, with one user, Shashank Choudhary, writing on X that the tremors "lasted for long" and stating, "It was very scary. Thank god we are safe." Others shared videos of ceiling fans swaying vigorously, people evacuating buildings en masse, and chaotic scenes in commercial areas. The hashtag #earthquake trended rapidly, accompanied by a mix of concerned messages, calls for safety, and even humorous memes as netizens coped with the sudden disruption in the "City of Joy."
The earthquake's effects were amplified in West Bengal due to the region's soft alluvial soil in the Gangetic delta, which can intensify shaking even from distant moderate quakes. Residents in adjoining districts also reported feeling the tremors, leading to precautionary evacuations and gatherings in open spaces. Mobile phone alerts further heightened awareness and contributed to the swift public response. Authorities monitored the situation closely, with no confirmed aftershocks reported immediately, though experts advised vigilance.
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Kolkata, situated in a seismically active zone influenced by the Himalayan tectonic belt and regional faults, occasionally experiences felt tremors from events in Bangladesh or the Bay of Bengal. This incident underscored vulnerabilities in densely populated urban areas with older infrastructure. While the quake remained light to moderate in impact, it served as a reminder of the need for earthquake preparedness, including building codes and public awareness campaigns in eastern India.
Social media's role in real-time dissemination was evident, as videos and firsthand accounts spread rapidly, turning individual experiences into collective narratives. Some users joked about the event to diffuse tension, while others expressed relief at the lack of harm. As the day progressed, discussions shifted toward reflections on seismic risks and the importance of staying calm during such events.
The episode concluded without reported emergencies, allowing normalcy to gradually return, though it left many residents reflecting on the brief but unsettling moment that briefly disrupted daily life in Kolkata.
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