A 5.5 magnitude earthquake that struck Bangladesh on Monday sent tremors across parts of India, including Kolkata, Siliguri, the North Bengal region, and several areas of Northeast India. The quake, which originated near Narsingdi — about 50 km from Dhaka — triggered brief but noticeable shaking, prompting people in multi-storey buildings to step outside in alarm. While no significant damage has been reported in either country, the event has once again highlighted the vulnerability of the region, which sits on an active seismic zone.
Epicentre: Narsingdi, Near Dhaka
According to seismic observations, the earthquake’s epicentre was located in Narsingdi district, in central Bangladesh. The tremor occurred at a depth shallow enough to make the impact more noticeable across the region.
Residents of Dhaka felt strong shaking for several seconds, with many reporting swaying furniture and rattling windows. Videos shared on social media showed people rushing out of commercial buildings, universities, and residential complexes as a precaution.
Bangladesh, being part of the Indo-Burma tectonic region, frequently experiences low to moderate-intensity earthquakes. However, Monday’s quake was among the stronger ones felt across the country in recent months.
jwmcollection.com | lasandino.com | juststartblog.com
amherstdelivery.com | thewhipp.com
Kolkata Feels Strong Tremors
In Kolkata, tremors were felt in areas including Salt Lake, Rajarhat, Park Street, Jadavpur, and parts of Howrah. Office-goers and residents in high-rise buildings reported a clear side-to-side movement, which lasted for a few seconds.
People working in IT parks in Salt Lake’s Sector V said they noticed monitors shaking and chairs slightly moving. Many rushed out of their offices, following standard earthquake precautions.
The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) and disaster management teams confirmed that no damage to infrastructure was reported. However, they reiterated the need for proper evacuation measures in older buildings, especially in congested pockets of North and Central Kolkata.
Tremors Across Northeast India
Northeast India, which shares close proximity to Bangladesh, also felt the impact. Reports of mild tremors came from:
-
Tripura
-
Assam (particularly Cachar, Karimganj, Hailakandi)
-
Meghalaya
-
Mizoram
In Assam, several residents stepped out of their homes noticing the tremor, especially in Guwahati and the Barak Valley region. Schools briefly paused classes, and many institutions conducted quick safety checks.
Experts note that the Northeast is one of India’s most earthquake-prone areas, lying in the high-risk Seismic Zone V. Even moderate earthquakes in neighbouring regions can be strongly felt here.
Why Eastern India and Bangladesh Are Prone to Earthquakes
The entire stretch covering Eastern India, Bangladesh, and the Northeast lies at the convergence of multiple tectonic plates:
-
The Indian Plate
-
The Eurasian Plate
-
The Burma Plate
This convergence generates frequent tectonic stress, increasing the likelihood of earthquakes. Geologists have long warned that the region could experience a major quake in the future due to accumulated tectonic pressure.
In recent years, small and moderate tremors have become more common across Bangladesh and Northeast India, raising concerns among seismic experts.
Public Reactions and Safety Response
Following the tremors, many people in Kolkata and Northeast India shared their experiences online, describing the sudden shaking. Some said they initially mistook it for dizziness until they noticed household items moving subtly.
Disaster management officials in both India and Bangladesh urged the public not to panic but to stay alert. They advised following basic earthquake safety steps:
-
Move away from windows
-
Stand under a sturdy doorway or table
-
Avoid using elevators
-
Evacuate calmly if possible
Emergency helplines were activated temporarily as a precaution.
Infrastructure Checks Underway
While no structural damage was reported in India or Bangladesh, authorities conducted routine inspections of critical infrastructure such as:
-
Bridges and flyovers
-
Metro and railway routes
-
Old residential buildings
-
Hospitals and schools
The Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation confirmed that metro services continued normally, though they conducted internal safety checks immediately after the tremor.
Similarly, airports in Kolkata, Guwahati, and Agartala reported normal operations.
Seismologists Issue Caution
Seismologists warned that the region must remain prepared for future tremors. While a 5.5 magnitude earthquake is moderate, the shallow depth made the shaking more perceptible.
Experts pointed out several concerns:
1. High Population Density in Bangladesh
Dhaka remains one of the most densely populated cities in the world. Even moderate quakes pose a serious risk due to:
-
Congested buildings
-
Unregulated construction
-
Weak infrastructure
2. Vulnerability of Kolkata’s Old Buildings
Kolkata has thousands of old structures, especially in north-central areas, which may not be designed to withstand strong earthquakes.
3. Northeast India’s Seismic Sensitivity
Being in Seismic Zone V, the region is at constant risk of larger quakes.
Experts stressed the need for regular structural audits and improved disaster preparedness.
A Reminder of the Region’s Earthquake History
Eastern India and Bangladesh have witnessed several significant quakes:
-
1934 Bihar–Nepal earthquake (8.0 magnitude)
-
1950 Assam earthquake (8.6 magnitude, one of the strongest ever recorded)
-
2004 Sumatra quake which triggered Indian Ocean tsunami
-
2021 Assam quake which caused building cracks
The recent tremor, though moderate, serves as a reminder that the region remains on a ticking seismic clock.
Conclusion
The 5.5 magnitude earthquake near Dhaka and the tremors felt across Kolkata and Northeast India were a moment of sudden alarm, but fortunately, no major damage or injuries were reported. Still, this event underscores the region’s susceptibility to seismic activity and the urgent need for greater awareness, preparedness, and resilient infrastructure.
As the Indo-Burma and Himalayan fault systems continue to evolve, experts warn that preparedness is the best defence against potential future earthquakes. Monday’s tremor may well be one of many reminders that the region must stay alert — and ready.
