Kolkata experienced sudden earthquake tremors around 1:20 pm on Friday, triggering panic across several parts of the city. The quake, measuring 5.4 on the Richter scale, caused buildings to sway briefly and prompted people to evacuate offices, apartments, and commercial complexes as a precautionary measure.
According to initial reports, there have been no immediate accounts of major injuries or structural damage. However, many residents described the tremor as one of the strongest felt in recent years, with the shaking lasting several seconds.
Epicenter Located in Bangladesh
Preliminary data indicates that the earthquake originated in neighboring Bangladesh. The tremor was reportedly recorded near the Satkhira region in the Khulna Division. The European Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) stated that the quake occurred at a depth of approximately 35 kilometers, allowing its impact to be felt across a wider geographical area, including eastern India.
A 5.5 magnitude earthquake shook the earth near Bangladesh. The tremors were also felt near #Kolkata#earthquake #EarthquakePH #EarthMix pic.twitter.com/7mMQ4JnX5Q
— RamVeer Doi (@RamDoi9) November 21, 2025
Despite the epicenter being across the border, strong tremors were experienced in multiple parts of Kolkata, particularly in Salt Lake and several high-rise residential zones.
Offices Evacuated as Buildings Sway
As the earthquake struck during working hours, many office-goers were inside multi-storey buildings. Eyewitnesses reported sudden vibrations, shaking ceiling fans, and rattling windows. In several offices, employees quickly used staircases to move to open areas.
“One moment I thought I was feeling lightheaded, but when the windows started trembling and desks shook, we realized it was an earthquake,” said a resident working in the central business district.
Focus on Preparedness and Safety
Although the situation normalized within minutes and no major damage has been confirmed, the tremor has renewed concerns about seismic preparedness in the region. Experts note that eastern India and Bangladesh fall within seismically sensitive zones, making strict adherence to building safety codes and disaster response planning essential.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, and officials have confirmed that everything is currently under control. While daily life resumed shortly after the tremors subsided, the incident has left many residents shaken and more aware of the need for earthquake readiness.