In the early morning of Tuesday, February 25, 2025, the inhabitants of Kolkata and
its neighboring areas were abruptly awakened by vibrations caused by a 5.1 magnitude
quake that hit the Bay of Bengal. The National Center for Seismology (NCS) indicated that
the seismic occurrence took place at 6:10 AM IST with its epicenter situated at latitude 19.52°N
and longitude 88.55°E roughly 91 kilometers below the ocean’s surface.
The unexpected vibrations sparked a surge of anxiety among the community with many
turning to social media outlets to relay their encounters and check on family and friends.
Despite the initial panic there have been no immediate accounts of injuries or significant
damage to structures. Officials have also verified that no tsunami alert has been issued
concerning this seismic event.
Seismologists reveal that the Bay of Bengal is prone to such seismic occurrences due to
the intricate tectonic interactions present in the area. The movement of the Indian
tectonic plate and its engagement with neighboring plates can cause stress build up which when released results in earthquakes. Professor K.S. Krishna from the
University of Hyderabad highlights that the deposition of sediments from significant
rivers such as the Ganges and Brahmaputra into the Bay of Bengal can impose
additional strain on existing fault lines potentially triggering seismic occurrences.
Historically the Bay of Bengal and its surrounding coastal regions have undergone seismic
activities of varying intensities. For instance, on December 5, 2022, a 5.1 magnitude
earthquake was documented approximately 409 kilometres south southeast of Kolkata.
In a similar manner on August 24, 2021, a seismic occurrence of the same magnitude was
reported over 300 kilometres off the coast of Chennai.
Following the recent quake local officials have urged the community to stay composed
yet alert. Emergency response teams are ready and evaluations of infrastructure are
in progress to guarantee public safety. Residents are encouraged to utilize official sources for updates and to learn about earthquake readiness strategies.
This event has reignited conversations regarding the necessity for enhanced seismic
surveillance and resilient infrastructure in the area. Specialists recommend routine structural
evaluations of buildings particularly older ones to assess and bolster their earthquake
durability. Public education initiatives highlighting safety measures during seismic
occurrences are also considered crucial.
Although the recent quake did not cause considerable damage it acts as a stark reminder
of the active geological forces involved and the critical need for preparedness to reduce
potential hazards linked to such natural events.
