Kolkata Earthquake Updates: No Reports of Damage or Casualties
A 5.1 magnitude earthquake struck the Bay of Bengal early on February 25, 2025, with tremors felt in Kolkata and various parts of West Bengal. According to the National Center for Seismology (NCS), the earthquake occurred at 6:10 AM IST, causing momentary panic among residents.
While many felt mild to moderate tremors, no immediate reports of damage or casualties have surfaced. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the quake was recorded near Puri, Odisha, at a depth of 91 km below the surface.
“EQ of M: 5.1, On: 25/02/2025 06:10:25 IST, Lat: 19.52 N, Long: 88.55 E, Depth: 91 Km, Location: Bay of Bengal,” the NCS posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Earthquake Epicenter and Tremor Details
According to official reports, the earthquake was recorded at:
- Latitude: 19.52° N
- Longitude: 88.55° E
- Depth: 91 km
- Location: Bay of Bengal
The epicenter was situated offshore, about 175 km from Odisha, which explains why the tremors were widely felt in Kolkata and other regions of West Bengal and Odisha.
Panic and Social Media Reactions
Despite the absence of significant damage, the tremors led to brief panic among residents, with many taking to social media to share their experiences. Hashtags related to the earthquake briefly trended on X as users discussed the impact and checked on the safety of loved ones.
One user posted:
“Earthquake Alert! Received a Google Earthquake Alert at around 6:10 AM in Kolkata. Reports suggest the epicenter might be 175 km from Odisha. Did anyone else feel the tremors? Stay alert and stay safe!”
Another user wrote:
“Earthquake in Kolkata! 5.3 magnitude. Just felt and posting cause awake.”
Seismic Activity in Kolkata: How Vulnerable is the City?
Kolkata falls under Seismic Zone III, meaning it has a moderate risk of earthquakes. While the city is not as earthquake-prone as the Northeastern states, the Himalayas, or Gujarat, it still experiences tremors from time to time due to seismic activity in nearby regions such as:
- Bay of Bengal
- Nepal
- North-East India
The risk of major earthquakes in Kolkata is relatively low, but buildings and infrastructure should still be earthquake-resistant as a precaution.
Another Earthquake in Himachal’s Mandi District
Just a day before the Kolkata tremors, a 3.7 magnitude earthquake struck Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh, on February 24, 2025, at 8:42 AM. The MeT department reported that the earthquake’s epicenter was near Kiargi in Sundernagar at a depth of 7 km.
While tremors were felt in the region, no damage or casualties were reported. Notably, Mandi district falls under Seismic Zone V, which is classified as a high-damage risk zone, making it more vulnerable to stronger earthquakes in the future.
