A massive earthquake rocked Kolkata on Friday afternoon, with residents reporting tremors across the city around 1:22 pm. According to the National Seismological Center, the earthquake measured 5.5 on the Richter scale. The epicenter of the earthquake, which occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers, was in southwestern Bangladesh and occurred at 1:52 pm local time.
Earlier, the US Geological Survey (USGS) recorded a magnitude of 5.3. The US Geological Survey confirmed that the epicenter of the earthquake was 26 kilometers southeast of Taki, West Bengal.
Variations in initial magnitude estimates are common as agencies work to improve seismic data.
Residents shared their experiences on X, with one user saying: “I felt the tremors of an earthquake for the first time in my life.”
Another said: “We felt terrible waves in Kolkata.” Several reports were also received from neighboring areas.
Social media also saw images from across the city showing people rushing out of their homes in panic. The earthquake was felt by residents of the surrounding areas close to the India-Bangladesh border.
Residents in several neighborhoods reported that ceiling fans swayed, furniture rattled, and windows rattled during the quake, with the effects being strongest in multi-story buildings.
The authorities have not yet confirmed any damage or casualties.
