5.5 Magnitude Quake Jolts Kolkata; Assam Feels 4.7 Tremors

A significant earthquake measuring 5.5 on the Richter scale jolted West Bengal, with strong tremors felt throughout Kolkata and its neighboring areas on Friday. At nearly the same time, Assam registered a 4.7-magnitude earthquake, leading to widespread apprehension among the populace. Many people were seen rushing outdoors as buildings swayed. Reports indicate that the earthquake’s epicenter was located near Narsingdi, Bangladesh. The seismic event caused a brief halt to the ongoing Test match between Bangladesh and Ireland in Dhaka, though the game recommenced after a short interval. Social media buzzed with activity, showcasing videos of people evacuating offices in Kolkata’s Salt Lake City and sharing their experiences. One individual recounted an exceptionally strong tremor, attributing its intensity to the earthquake’s close proximity to Dhaka. Another user expressed solidarity, sending prayers to those affected in both Bangladesh and India. Experts point to Bangladesh’s precarious position at the junction of the Indian, Eurasian, and Burma tectonic plates as a primary reason for its high susceptibility to seismic activity, exacerbated by proximity to several major fault lines. The dense population of Dhaka further elevates its risk profile, classifying it among the world’s most vulnerable cities to earthquakes.