A strong 5.5-magnitude earthquake rattled West Bengal on Friday, with Kolkata and its surrounding areas feeling the intense vibrations. Nearly at the same time, a 4.7-magnitude earthquake was registered in Assam, causing people to react with alarm and seek open spaces. The tremors were widespread, prompting the evacuation of offices, notably in Kolkata’s IT sector. Social media platforms became a hub for sharing experiences, with many posting videos and accounts of the ground shaking. One witness described the event as exceptionally powerful due to its close proximity to Dhaka, even with a moderate magnitude. The earthquake’s origin point was located about 14 km from Narsingdi in Bangladesh. A cricket match between Bangladesh and Ireland in Dhaka was momentarily paused but soon continued without issue. No significant damage or casualties have been reported thus far. The region’s susceptibility to earthquakes is rooted in its tectonic setting, situated at the confluence of major plates like the Indian, Eurasian, and Burma plates. Dhaka’s status as one of the world’s most densely populated cities further amplifies its vulnerability to significant seismic events.
