Residents of Kolkata experienced brief tremors late Tuesday night after a powerful earthquake struck Myanmar. The quake, measured at 6.0 magnitude, occurred hundreds of kilometres away but was strong enough to be felt across borders, causing momentary panic in parts of eastern India.
The earthquake struck central Myanmar at around 9 pm IST. The tremors lasted only a few seconds in Kolkata but were clearly felt, especially in high-rise apartments and office buildings. Many residents reported light swaying of furniture and fixtures.
Although the epicentre was outside India, the intensity of the quake allowed seismic waves to travel long distances, reaching parts of West Bengal and neighbouring Bangladesh.
Why Kolkata Felt the Tremors
The quake originated at a shallow depth beneath the Earth’s surface. Shallow earthquakes tend to release energy more forcefully along the ground. As a result, the vibrations travelled far without weakening significantly.
Kolkata’s soft alluvial soil also amplifies ground movement. This makes the city more sensitive to distant seismic activity compared to regions with harder rock formations.
Soon after the tremors, many residents stepped out of their homes as a precaution. Social media platforms were filled with messages from people confirming they had felt the shaking. In some residential complexes, security staff asked residents to remain calm and avoid elevators.
Despite the brief alarm, normalcy returned quickly once the tremors stopped.
There were no immediate reports of injuries or structural damage in Kolkata or other parts of West Bengal. Authorities stated that the shaking was mild and short-lived in India.
Emergency services remained on alert, but no rescue operations were required.
Why Earthquakes in Myanmar Affect Eastern India
Myanmar lies in a highly active seismic zone due to the movement of major tectonic plates. Earthquakes in this region often impact neighbouring countries, including India and Bangladesh.
Eastern India, especially areas close to the Bay of Bengal and Himalayan foothills, frequently feels tremors from strong quakes originating in Myanmar and northeast India.
What Experts Advise
Seismologists usually monitor such events for possible aftershocks, which can occur hours or days later. However, aftershocks are generally weaker and rarely felt at long distances.
Residents are advised to stay informed through official updates and follow basic earthquake safety measures, especially in high-rise buildings.
Why This Event Matters
While this earthquake did not cause damage in India, it serves as a reminder of the region’s seismic vulnerability. Even distant quakes can be felt in major cities like Kolkata due to geological conditions.
Preparedness and awareness remain key to reducing panic and risk during such natural events.
Conclusion
A 6.0 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar briefly shook Kolkata, reminding residents of the interconnected nature of seismic activity across South and Southeast Asia. The situation remained under control, with no damage reported, but the tremors highlighted the importance of readiness in earthquake-prone regions.
