Powerful 5.2 Bangladesh Earthquake Rocks Kolkata with Strong Tremors Across Bengal
A 5.2 magnitude earthquake struck Bangladesh on Friday morning, sending strong tremors across Kolkata and other parts of West Bengal. The quake occurred at 10:08 AM IST, with its epicenter located 13 km south-southwest of Narsingdi. It registered at a shallow depth of 10 km, causing widespread panic among residents in the region.
Impact of the Earthquake
Residents of Kolkata and surrounding districts experienced intense shaking, prompting many to flee buildings and gather outdoors as a precaution. The quake particularly rattled densely populated areas, where the effects were strongly felt.
Personal Accounts
- Priyanka Chaturvedi, a PR professional from Baranagar, shared her experience during a conference call when the tremors began. She felt the sofa moving and realized it was an earthquake, noting the intensity likened to nothing she had felt before.
- Ravindra Singh, a 75-year-old banker from Alipore, recounted how the tremors lasted over thirty seconds. Initially skeptical, his family acknowledged the tremors as reality after they felt them too.
Official Response and Safety Measures
Despite the strong tremors, initial assessments from the West Bengal Disaster Management Department reported no casualties or significant structural damage. Local authorities are actively monitoring the situation to ensure the safety of residents.
Conclusion
The quake’s impact serves as a reminder of the region’s vulnerability to seismic activity. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and prepared for any future tremors.
