On November 21, 2025, Kolkata and other parts of West Bengal were rattled by strong earthquake tremors, causing widespread panic and leading to the evacuation of buildings across the region. The tremors, part of a moderate earthquake that struck neighbouring Bangladesh with a magnitude ranging between 5.5 and 5.7, were felt distinctly in Kolkata, Cooch Behar, Nadia, Dinajpur, Malda, and the Northeast, including Assam and Tripura.
Epicentre and Magnitude
The epicentre of the earthquake was located near Narsingdi, approximately 13 to 14 kilometres south-southwest of Dhaka, Bangladesh. The quake occurred at a shallow depth of just 10 km, which contributed to the intensity with which the tremors were felt over a wide area. Bangladesh’s Meteorological Department and India’s National Centre for Seismology concurred on a magnitude of 5.7, while the US Geological Survey measured it at 5.5 on the Richter scale.
Timeline and Coverage
The earthquake struck shortly after 10:08 am IST, shaking buildings and prompting a wave of anxiety in the city. Witnesses reported that the shaking lasted between 10 and 30 seconds, with some saying it was “the most intense earthquake” they had experienced in their lifetime. Kolkata’s densely populated buildings, offices, and markets quickly emptied as people scrambled for safety.
Impact in Kolkata and Bengal
Residents across Kolkata and West Bengal reported seeing household items such as chandeliers, ceiling fans, and water bottles swaying alarmingly. Office workers, particularly in business hubs like Salt Lake, New Town, and Rajarhat, evacuated in large numbers, with schools and business centers temporarily suspending operations.
No immediate damage to infrastructure or casualties have been reported from Kolkata and other affected areas in West Bengal. City officials and West Bengal’s Disaster Management Department are actively monitoring the situation, and authorities have urged residents to remain calm and follow safety guidelines for potential aftershocks.
Social Media and Public Reaction
Social media quickly filled with visuals and videos depicting the moments of panic: lights swaying, crowds gathering in open spaces, and traffic disruptions as pedestrians and drivers rushed outdoors. Many described the physical sensation of the quake as frightening, with uncertainty hanging over possible aftershocks.
Effects in Bangladesh and Other Regions
The earthquake’s strongest effects were in Bangladesh, where reports confirmed at least six deaths and dozens injured following the collapse of a building railing in Dhaka. Hospitals in the area received many injured persons, with several transferred in critical condition. Other districts in Bangladesh, such as Chandpur, Sirajganj, Nilphamari, Sitakunda, and Narayanganj, also reported feeling the tremors.
Tremors were experienced in northeast India as well, affecting areas like Assam, Tripura, Guwahati, and Shillong. In these regions, local authorities said that while shaking was felt, there was no significant damage or injury reported, and emergency management teams remained on alert for further developments.
Historical Context
Kolkata and the broader Ganga-Brahmaputra region are part of the Himalayan seismic belt, making them susceptible to earthquakes originating in the Indo-Bangladesh border area. The city’s infrastructure and civil authorities are trained for such events, though moderate quakes like this still cause considerable alarm due to the density of population and buildings.
The November 2025 tremor was the third quake in the region over a short period, following moderate earthquakes recorded in Afghanistan and Pakistan earlier the same day.
Emergency Response and Safety Measures
Authorities across Kolkata and West Bengal responded swiftly, coordinating with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and city administration. Standard earthquake protocols were activated, including the evacuation of buildings, temporary closure of crowded markets, and advisories disseminated via media and social platforms.
Officials from the West Bengal Disaster Management Department reassured residents about the robustness of local infrastructure. The Kolkata Metro and railway services remained largely uninterrupted after safety inspections.
Expert Insights
Seismologists noted that shallow-depth earthquakes, such as this one, can propagate shockwaves efficiently across sedimentary plains like those found in eastern India. While such quakes rarely cause major structural damage, their psychological impact is significant due to the suddenness and unpredictability.
Experts reminded the public of vital safety tips: remain calm, seek open spaces away from buildings, avoid elevators, and check for gas leaks or electrical hazards at home after tremors. Schools and workplaces were directed to review emergency evacuation procedures in light of the event.
What Comes Next
While Kolkata and West Bengal emerged largely unscathed, vigilance remains high for possible aftershocks. City officials advised against panic-mongering and misinformation, emphasizing the importance of reliable updates through official channels.
Local authorities and geologists are conducting after-event assessments and evaluating structural resilience in high-density zones. Residents are encouraged to participate in community earthquake drills and educate themselves on preparedness strategies.