Kolkata Quakes: Bay of Bengal Registers 5.1-Magnitude Tremor
In the early hours of Tuesday, Kolkata and surrounding areas were rattled by a 5.1-magnitude earthquake that struck the Bay of Bengal at 6:10 AM. The tremors, although brief, were felt across the city, triggering concern among residents. According to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS), the earthquake’s epicentre was located near Puri, Odisha, with a depth of 91 km beneath the Bay of Bengal.
This seismic event serves as a reminder of Kolkata’s vulnerability to occasional tremors despite not being as prone to major earthquakes as some other regions in India. Kolkata, situated in Seismic Zone III, faces a moderate risk of earthquakes. While the city is not directly located on active fault lines, seismic activities in neighbouring regions, such as the Bay of Bengal, Nepal, or North-East India, often cause tremors to ripple through Kolkata. The recent earthquake originated from the Bay of Bengal, a region that frequently experiences seismic activity, albeit at depths and magnitudes that are typically not severe enough to cause significant damage.
The tremors felt in Kolkata and parts of West Bengal on Tuesday were part of a wider regional pattern of seismicity. The Bay of Bengal, a geologically complex area, continues to generate seismic movements, some of which can have impacts in nearby cities like Kolkata. While there were no immediate reports of major damage or casualties, residents expressed unease, underscoring the unpredictability of such natural events.
Despite the city’s moderate seismic risk, it remains essential for Kolkata’s residents and authorities to remain alert and prepared for potential future earthquakes. While large quakes may be less frequent, smaller tremors, such as those experienced on Tuesday, are a stark reminder that the region’s geophysical dynamics require ongoing monitoring and preparedness efforts.
The earthquake comes at a time when concerns about urban infrastructure in earthquake-prone zones are gaining traction, particularly in regions like Kolkata. As urbanisation accelerates, the need for stronger construction practices and disaster preparedness plans becomes even more pressing. Authorities are expected to continue monitoring the situation, with experts advising the public to stay informed about future seismic risks.
