Kolkata, India – At approximately 6:10 AM IST on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, a significant seismic event rattled parts of eastern India and neighboring Bangladesh, sending shockwaves through the region. According to reports from the National Centre for Seismology (NCS), a 5.1 magnitude earthquake struck the Bay of Bengal, with its epicenter located about 175 km from Odisha. The tremors were felt as far as Kolkata, sparking concern among residents and prompting widespread discussion online.
The earthquake, which occurred at a depth of 91 km beneath the surface, was initially detected by seismic monitoring systems and confirmed through data shared by the NCS on social media platforms. The agency detailed the quake’s coordinates as Latitude 19.52 N and Longitude 88.55 E, placing the epicenter in the Bay of Bengal, off the eastern coast of India. While the magnitude of 5.1 is considered moderate, the shallow depth and proximity to populated areas led to noticeable shaking in Kolkata, North Bengal, and parts of Odisha.
Residents in Kolkata reported feeling mild to moderate tremors, with some describing a brief but unsettling jolt that disrupted their morning routines. Social media platforms, particularly X, buzzed with activity as users shared their experiences, with many posting about the Google Earthquake Alert they received around the same time. Posts on X highlighted a mix of concern, curiosity, and calls for safety, with some users asking if others in the region felt the tremors. One user wrote, “Just felt a shake in Kolkata—anyone else? Hoping everyone stays safe!” Another post from a local resident noted, “Tremors woke me up at 6:10 AM. Scary but glad no damage so far.”
Preliminary reports indicate that the earthquake did not cause significant damage or casualties in the affected areas. However, authorities and emergency services remain on high alert, monitoring for any aftershocks or reports of structural issues. The NCS and local disaster management teams have urged residents to stay vigilant, follow safety protocols, and report any unusual observations to the authorities. No official evacuation orders have been issued, but people in vulnerable buildings are advised to take precautions, such as avoiding elevators and staying clear of heavy objects that could fall.
The Bay of Bengal region is no stranger to seismic activity, as it lies near tectonic plate boundaries that occasionally generate earthquakes. While the Indian subcontinent is primarily associated with seismic zones in the north, such as the Himalayas, the eastern coastal areas can also experience tremors due to tectonic movements in the Bay of Bengal and surrounding regions. Experts suggest that the 5.1 magnitude quake, while moderate, could serve as a reminder for the region to strengthen earthquake preparedness, especially in densely populated urban centers like Kolkata.
As of 5:45 PM PST on February 24, 2025 (corresponding to early evening in India), official updates from the NCS and other agencies continue to trickle in. The slight variation in reported magnitudes—ranging from 5.1 to 5.4 in some unverified social media posts—reflects the preliminary nature of seismic data, which may be refined as more information becomes available. Authorities are working to assess the full impact, but early indications suggest the event caused minimal disruption, with no major reports of property damage or injuries.
Trending discussions on X have amplified public awareness, with hashtags like #Earthquake, #Kolkata, and #StaySafe gaining traction. While some posts reflect humor or relief that the quake was not more severe, others underscore the importance of readiness for future events. Local weather conditions in Kolkata on the day of the earthquake were reported as warm, with temperatures ranging from a low of 20.97 °C to a high of 31.68 °C, and moderate humidity, which did not exacerbate the situation but highlighted the need for clear communication during such events.
This earthquake follows a series of seismic activities reported across India in recent weeks, including a 4.0 magnitude quake in Delhi-NCR earlier in February. While those events were smaller and closer to urban centers, today’s quake in the Bay of Bengal underscores the unpredictable nature of seismic activity in the region. Scientists and disaster management experts are likely to analyze this event to better understand the tectonic dynamics at play and improve early warning systems.
Residents of Kolkata, Odisha, and surrounding areas are encouraged to remain cautious, monitor official updates, and prepare emergency kits in case of future tremors. The government and local authorities are collaborating to ensure public safety, with ongoing assessments to confirm the quake’s impact. As the situation develops, the focus remains on community resilience and preparedness in the face of nature’s unpredictability.
For the latest updates, residents are advised to follow official channels, including the NCS, local news outlets, and disaster management agencies. The collective hope is that this event serves as a wake-up call for enhancing infrastructure and awareness, ensuring that communities in seismically active regions are better equipped to handle such natural phenomena. Stay informed, stay safe, and let’s support one another through this time of heightened awareness. 🌍🙏 #Earthquake #Kolkata #StaySafe
