Residents of Kolkata experienced a sudden wave of panic after strong earthquake tremors shook parts of the city, forcing the evacuation of several office buildings and commercial establishments. The tremors, which were felt during working hours, caused employees to rush out of high-rise buildings as a precautionary measure.
According to initial reports, the tremors lasted for several seconds, enough to cause noticeable swaying in multi-storey structures. Though there were no immediate reports of major damage or casualties, the sudden shaking triggered alarm among residents, particularly those working in tall office complexes across the city’s business districts.
Employees described feeling desks vibrate and ceiling fixtures sway. In many offices, fire alarms were activated as a safety protocol, prompting orderly evacuations. Security personnel and disaster management teams were seen guiding people to open spaces away from buildings.
Kolkata, located in eastern India, falls under Seismic Zone III, which indicates moderate seismic activity. While the city does not frequently experience major earthquakes, tremors originating from neighboring regions such as Nepal, Bihar, or the northeastern states can be felt across West Bengal.
Local authorities quickly began monitoring the situation. Officials from the disaster management department urged residents to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information on social media. Emergency response teams were placed on standby to address any potential aftershocks or structural concerns.
Public transportation services continued to operate normally, though some metro passengers reported briefly halting services as a precautionary check. Schools and other institutions also reviewed safety protocols, ensuring that evacuation procedures were followed where necessary.
Seismologists are currently analyzing data to determine the magnitude and epicenter of the quake. Preliminary assessments suggest that the tremors were likely caused by seismic activity originating outside the city, though confirmation is awaited from official agencies.
The incident has once again highlighted the importance of earthquake preparedness in urban centers. Experts recommend that offices conduct regular safety drills, ensure structural compliance with seismic guidelines, and educate employees on emergency response measures.
As the city gradually returned to normalcy, many residents expressed relief that the tremors did not result in serious damage. However, the event served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of natural disasters and the need for constant vigilance in densely populated metropolitan areas like Kolkata.