A 5.1-magnitude earthquake strikes the Bay of Bengal early Tuesday morning, sending shockwaves across Kolkata and parts of West Bengal. The National Center for Seismology (NCS) reported that the earthquake, which had coordinates of 19.52°N latitude and 88.55°E longitude, struck around 6:10 a.m. IST and was 91 kilometers deep. The epicenter was situated off the Odisha coast near Puri.

The earthquake was confirmed by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), which also stated that the tremor was felt close to Puri in Odisha. Real-time reports on the seismic activity were posted on social media by the NCS.

Impact and Public Reaction

Residents of Kolkata and other West Bengal regions briefly panicked due to the widespread tremors. Many shared their experiences on social media, with some claiming to have received earthquake alerts through mobile applications. Users reported experiencing brief shaking and unexpected jolts in several locations throughout the city.

Despite the widespread tremors, there have been no initial reports of injuries or damage. Authorities have said that since shallow earthquakes (5–10 km deep) often cause greater damage, the greater depth of this earthquake reduced its impact on the surface.

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Seismic Activity in the Region

Kolkata has a moderate risk of earthquakes because it is located in Seismic Zone III. The city occasionally experiences tremors as a result of seismic activity in neighboring areas, including the Bay of Bengal, Nepal, and Northeast India. Although it is not as vulnerable to high-intensity earthquakes as Gujarat, the Himalayas, or Northeast India, it is still affected by nearby seismic events.

This earthquake follows a significant earthquake that rocked Tibet and Nepal on January 8, which caused minor tremors to be felt in Kolkata. A 4.0-magnitude earthquake that struck Delhi on February 17 further suggests that the area is still experiencing seismic activity.

There have been no reports of aftershocks so far, but authorities are still keeping an eye on the situation. If another earthquake strikes Bay of Bengal, it could potentially cause tremors across the eastern coast, affecting cities like Kolkata and Puri once again.

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