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‘It lasted for quite some time’: Strong tremors spark panic in Kolkata, parts of Bengal after earthquake in Bangladesh

Earthquake in Kolkata Today: Initial reports from the West Bengal Disaster Management Department and city authorities indicated no immediate reports of casualties or significant structural damage in the state.

Residents stand in an alley after vacating their house next to a fallen scaffolding following an earthquake in Dhaka, Bangladesh, November 21, 2025. REUTERS

Residents stand in an alley after vacating their house next to a fallen scaffolding following an earthquake in Dhaka, Bangladesh. (REUTERS)

West Bengal Kolkata Earthquake Today: Kolkata and several parts of West Bengal were rattled by strong tremors on Friday morning after a 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck neighbouring Bangladesh. The epicentre of the quake, which occurred at approximately 10.08 am IST at a relatively shallow depth of 10 km, was located 13 km south-southwest of Narsingdi in Bangladesh.

Six people in Bangladesh were killed in the devastation caused by the earthquake, reported news agency AP.

The shaking caused immediate panic among residents across the state, prompting many to rush out of buildings and onto the streets. In densely populated areas like Kolkata and its surrounding districts, people abandoned their homes and workplaces, gathering in open spaces as a precaution.

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Describing the intensity of the tremors, Priyanka Chaturvedi, a PR professional from Baranagar in North 24 Parganas district, said: “I was on an office conference call. Suddenly, I felt my sofa shaking and within seconds I realised it was an earthquake. For the first time, I felt such strong tremors. It lasted for quite some time.”

Ravindra Singh, a 75-year-old bank employee and resident of the Alipore area, also described experiencing strong tremors. “The tremors lasted for more than 30 seconds and were quite strong. Initially, my family said it was my head spinning, but later it was found to be true,” he said.

While the tremors were widely felt, initial reports from the West Bengal Disaster Management Department and city authorities indicated no casualties or major structural damage. Officials said they are continuing to monitor the situation closely.

Tremors felt in Tripura

The tremors from the earthquake in Bangladesh were also felt in Tripura, particularly in Agartala. Speaking to indianexpress.com, a senior official from the State Emergency Operations Centre said the earthquake originated in Bangladesh at a depth of 10 km. No major damage to infrastructure has been reported in Tripura.

Sweety Kumari

Sweety Kumari is a seasoned journalist reporting from West Bengal for The Indian Express. With over a decade of experience in the media industry and eight years specifically with The Indian Express, she demonstrates considerable Expertise and Authority across a diverse range of critical beats. Experience & Authority Current Role: Journalist, The Indian Express, reporting from West Bengal. Extensive Tenure: Over 10 years of experience in the media industry, with a long association (8 years) with The Indian Express, contributing to a high level of Trustworthiness. Diverse Coverage: Covers crucial beats including Crime, Defence, Health, and Politics, alongside writing on trending topics. Investigative Focus: Possesses a keen eye for investigative and human-interest stories, demonstrating depth and skill in impactful journalism. Beat Versatility: Has honed her craft across diverse beats, including aviation and reporting on various incidents, ensuring well-rounded and comprehensive reportage. Career Start: Began her journalistic journey as an Entertainment and lifestyle journalist with a news portal in Kolkata, providing a foundational understanding of media landscape and audience engagement. Education Advanced Education: Holds a PG in Mass Communication from Jadavpur University, equipping her with advanced media theory and skills. Undergraduate Education: Holds an Honours degree in Journalism from Jaipuria College. Multilingual Skill: Her fluency in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Maithili enhances her reach and capability to connect with diverse sources and communities in the region, adding a layer of accessibility and authenticity to her reporting. Regional Roots: Originally from Bihar, she was brought up and educated in Kolkata (Kendriya Vidyalaya Salt Lake), giving her a deep, personal understanding of the cultural and political nuances of her reporting region. Sweety Kumari's combination of significant experience, specialization in key beats like Crime and Politics, and strong academic background makes her a trusted and authoritative contributor to The Indian Express. ... Read More

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