KOLKATA, Nov 21: A 5.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Bangladesh earlier today caused tremors to be felt across several parts of West Bengal, prompting brief concern among residents. The quake, recorded by regional seismic monitoring centres, occurred at a moderate depth and resulted in noticeable shaking in Kolkata, Siliguri, Malda, Murshidabad, and adjoining districts.
According to officials, the tremors were felt for a few seconds, leading many people to step out of homes and workplaces as a precaution. No major damage or injuries have been reported in West Bengal so far, though authorities are continuing to assess the situation and gather information from local administrations.
The West Bengal Disaster Management Department confirmed that the impact was more pronounced in multi-storey buildings, where residents experienced mild to moderate swaying. Control rooms were activated immediately after the tremors, and district officials were instructed to remain on alert for any aftershocks.
In Kolkata, emergency response teams were placed on standby, and routine checks were initiated for key infrastructures such as bridges, flyovers, and public buildings. Metro and railway services continued without disruption, though precautionary inspections were carried out by technical teams.
Residents in several northern districts reported feeling two quick jolts, prompting momentary panic. Schools, offices, and commercial establishments resumed normal activity soon after the tremors subsided, with authorities urging people to rely on official advisories rather than unverified information circulating on social media.
Seismological experts noted that the region falls within a moderate seismic zone and experiences occasional tremors due to tectonic activity near the India-Bangladesh border. They advised the public to remain calm while following safety guidelines issued by disaster management agencies.
The state government has stated that it is closely monitoring updates from national seismic networks and will issue further instructions if required. Citizens have been encouraged to report any structural damage to local authorities to ensure timely inspection and assistance.
