Kolkata Earthquake Today: What You Need to Know
Early this morning, on February 25, 2025, tremors were felt in Kolkata and surrounding areas after an earthquake struck the Bay of Bengal. The quake had a magnitude of 5.1 and occurred at 6:10 AM IST. While there have been no reports of damage or casualties so far, the event has once again raised concerns about seismic safety in the region.
Details of the Earthquake
The earthquake's epicenter was in the Bay of Bengal, at a latitude of 19.52°N and longitude 88.55°E, with a depth of 91 km. This depth means that the quake originated deep underground, reducing its impact on the surface. However, due to Kolkata's geological conditions, even moderate tremors can be felt strongly.
Residents in various parts of the city, including Salt Lake, Howrah, and New Town, reported feeling the tremors. Many took to social media to share their experiences, with some describing a brief but noticeable shaking.
Why Is Kolkata Prone to Earthquakes?
Kolkata is located in seismic zone 4, which means it is at high risk of earthquakes. The city’s alluvial soil can amplify seismic waves, making even mild tremors feel stronger. Additionally, this type of soil is prone to liquefaction, a phenomenon where the ground temporarily loses its strength during an earthquake, leading to structural instability.
Historically, Kolkata has experienced tremors due to seismic activity in the Himalayan region, Assam, and the Bay of Bengal. Though major earthquakes are rare, the city’s dense population and aging infrastructure make earthquake preparedness crucialEarly this morning, on February 25, 2025, tremors were felt in Kolkata and surrounding areas after an earthquake struck the Bay of Bengal. The quake had a magnitude of 5.1 and occurred at 6:10 AM IST. While there have been no reports of damage or casualties so far, the event has once again raised concerns about seismic safety in the region.
Was There a Tsunami Warning?
There were fears about tsunami formation because the earthquake took place within the Bay of Bengal. Experts confirmed that no tsunami warning was warranted because the earthquake's magnitude together with its depth remained insufficient to start large wave formation.
What Should Residents Do?
Although the recent earthquake proved harmless to property yet it serves as an important lesson about why every household must be prepared. Follow these necessary safety guidelines to ensure safety during earthquakes.
1. All households need to establish defined refuge pathways at both locations home and workplace.
2. Tie down large home objects like furniture and shelves as well as household appliances to protect them from quake-induced toppling.
3. The emergency essentials including water food flashlight and first aid supplies need to be stored in one place for preparedness.
4. Develop buildings with earthquake-resistant standards when constructing new buildings or performing renovative work.
5. ever hearken to vetted official information sources about earthquakes while disregarding baseless reports.
Final Thoughts
The recent earthquake did not lead to extensive damage but it brought vital attention to disaster preparedness throughout Kolkata. Preparation helps diminish the unexpected dangers of earthquakes even when their onset remains doubtful. Authority administrators must keep improving their infrastructure while citizens must actively follow earthquake news and alerts.
The future safety of Kolkata depends on making earthquake preparedness the top priority because seismic activity shows no signs of decreasing in the region.
