An earthquake of magnitude 5.1 struck the Bay of Bengal early on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, sending tremors through Kolkata and various parts of West Bengal. According to the National Center for Seismology (NCS), the quake occurred at 6:10 AM. The epicenter was located near Puri in Odisha, at a depth of 91 kilometers.
The earthquake was recorded at latitude 19.52 N and longitude 88.55 E. The tremor was felt across Kolkata and nearby regions, causing brief panic among residents. Despite the jolt, no immediate reports of damage or casualties were reported. The quake’s depth of 91 km in the Bay of Bengal likely reduced its intensity, but the tremors were still noticeable in various parts of the city. “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.
Many residents took to social media to share their experiences. The earthquake caught people off guard, as the tremors were felt early in the morning. One user wrote, “Earthquake Alert! I received a Google Earthquake Alert around 6:10 AM in Kolkata. Reports suggest the epicenter was about 175 km from Orissa. Did anyone else feel the tremors? Awaiting official confirmation.”
Another user posted, “Earthquake in Kolkata! 5.3 magnitude. Just felt it and posting because I was awake.” Hashtags related to the earthquake quickly trended, with people discussing the event and checking on each other’s safety.
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Kolkata, located in Seismic Zone III, is known to experience occasional tremors, though it is less prone to major earthquakes than other regions like Northeast India, Gujarat, or the Himalayas. The city’s seismic risk primarily stems from the nearby Bay of Bengal, Nepal, and North-East India.
Though the recent earthquake caused some anxiety, Kolkata is not at significant risk for large-scale quakes. However, small tremors like these are a reminder of the seismic activity in the region. Experts suggest that the Bay of Bengal area is seismically active, and quakes of moderate intensity are not uncommon.
In the aftermath of the tremor, authorities have urged residents to remain alert. Earthquake preparedness and safety protocols are essential, especially in areas like Kolkata that are prone to occasional tremors. People are advised to stay away from windows, take cover under sturdy furniture, and avoid using elevators during earthquakes.
While this quake was not severe, the sudden shaking served as a reminder of the need for earthquake readiness. As more tremors may occur in the future, being prepared can help mitigate risks and ensure safety.
The earthquake in the Bay of Bengal on February 25 was a mild event with tremors reaching Kolkata and surrounding regions. While the situation caused some initial panic, the lack of damage or casualties is a relief. However, residents are reminded to stay vigilant as tremors from nearby regions are a regular occurrence. Authorities continue to monitor seismic activity, ensuring the safety of residents in Kolkata and West Bengal.
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