Did you feel the ground shake this morning? If you’re in Kolkata or eastern India, chances are you experienced tremors from a significant earthquake that struck Bangladesh. A 5.7 magnitude quake rattled the region, sending minor shocks through parts of West Bengal and raising questions about seismic safety in densely populated eastern India.
The earthquake struck in Bangladesh, where the epicentre was located at a moderate depth. While the magnitude of 5.7 is substantial, the initial reports suggest no major structural damage in nearby Indian cities. However, tremors were distinctly felt by residents across Kolkata, Siliguri, and surrounding areas, with many people stepping out of their homes and offices as a precaution.
Why Eastern India Feels These Quakes
The northeastern region of the Indian subcontinent sits on an active seismic zone. Bangladesh and the surrounding areas experience regular tectonic activity due to the complex interaction of geological plates in the region. This particular earthquake is a reminder that eastern India, despite being less earthquake-prone than the Himalayas or Gujarat, remains vulnerable to sudden tremors.
What makes this concerning is population density. Cities like Kolkata are home to millions, and older buildings in many neighbourhoods weren’t constructed with modern earthquake-resistant standards. When a 5.7 magnitude quake occurs nearby, it sends a clear message about preparedness.
Ground Reality in Indian Cities
Seismic experts have repeatedly flagged that many Indian cities, especially in the east, lack adequate earthquake-resistant infrastructure. While modern high-rises are designed to withstand tremors, older residential buildings and commercial structures remain vulnerable. The last major earthquake to seriously impact Kolkata dates back decades, which sometimes leads to complacency about disaster preparedness.
During today’s quake, panic was minimal because the tremors were moderate in intensity. But this doesn’t mean cities should remain unprepared. Experts recommend that families maintain basic earthquake safety kits, identify safe zones in their homes, and ensure workplaces have evacuation plans.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department and Indian seismological agencies quickly issued updates, which helped prevent widespread panic. Real-time information sharing has improved significantly over the years, allowing authorities to communicate risks faster than before.
Going forward, the focus should remain on strengthening building codes and public awareness in eastern India. While we can’t predict earthquakes, we can certainly prepare for them better. City planners and administrators must prioritise seismic resilience, especially as urban populations continue to grow in this geologically active region.