On Friday, 21 November 2025, a powerful earthquake of magnitude 5.7 struck Bangladesh, just hours after a similar event in Pakistan. The tremors were felt in several parts of India, particularly in West Bengal, including Kolkata. According to the German Research Center for Geosciences (GFZ), the earthquake in Bangladesh was recorded at 5.7 magnitude, and it struck close to the Narsingdi region, located about 13 kilometers south-southwest of the epicenter. The earthquake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers, and its effects were widespread across neighboring regions, including Kolkata and various districts of West Bengal.
Impact of the Earthquake in Kolkata and Surrounding Areas
The earthquake’s tremors were felt across Kolkata and several districts in West Bengal, including Malda, Nadia, Cooch Behar, and other northern parts of Bengal. Reports indicate that residents of Kolkata experienced strong shaking around 10:10 AM, with walls trembling and people rushing out of buildings as a safety measure. The tremors lasted for about 2-3 seconds, creating a sense of panic among some. However, as of now, there have been no reports of injuries or significant damage in Kolkata or its surrounding areas.
Social media was abuzz with people sharing their experiences. Several residents of Kolkata described the tremors as the strongest earthquake they had ever felt. One user on X (formerly Twitter) mentioned that their building shook for about 30 seconds, while others described the sensation as feeling like the city was trembling like a fragile plastic tunnel. Many even mentioned that the tremors were so intense that they could wake up someone who was sleeping. The experience left many residents shocked and cautious about the ongoing seismic activity in the region.
Earthquake in Pakistan: A Night of Tremors
Just a day before the Bangladesh earthquake, another earthquake struck Pakistan on Thursday night. This tremor had a magnitude of 5.3 and caused panic among people, particularly in areas near the Afghan border. The tremors were also felt in major cities like Islamabad and Peshawar. Fortunately, there have been no immediate reports of damage or casualties in these regions. Despite the moderate intensity of the earthquake, the event caused significant concern due to the region’s historical vulnerability to seismic activity.
The Region’s Seismic Sensitivity and the Himalayan Tectonic Plates
Experts explain that the region, which includes Pakistan, Bangladesh, and parts of India, is highly sensitive to seismic events due to the tectonic activity in the area. The region is located at the junction of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, which are constantly shifting and colliding. This makes the area particularly prone to frequent earthquakes. The Himalayan region, where these tectonic plates meet, experiences regular seismic activity, and experts suggest that these moderate earthquakes are part of the ongoing geological processes in the area.
According to data, as of 2025, there have already been 295 recorded moderate earthquakes in Pakistan, 419 in Bangladesh, and 588 in the areas around West Bengal. The frequency of these tremors highlights the seismic vulnerability of the region, and experts advise that local populations remain vigilant and prepared for potential aftershocks or stronger seismic events. Although these earthquakes have not caused major damage so far, the situation remains concerning for residents living in these high-risk zones.
Ongoing Seismic Risks in the Region
The Indian subcontinent is one of the most earthquake-prone areas in the world due to the ongoing tectonic collision between the Indian and Eurasian plates. This tectonic activity continues to create immense stress in the Earth’s crust, leading to frequent earthquakes of varying magnitudes. While the majority of these earthquakes are moderate in strength, the potential for a major seismic event remains a persistent threat in the region.
As the data suggests, moderate earthquakes continue to occur at an alarming rate, further reinforcing the need for heightened awareness and preparedness in affected regions. The frequent occurrence of these tremors also serves as a reminder of the region’s vulnerability to more significant seismic events in the future. It is essential for local governments, disaster management agencies, and citizens to remain alert and take preventive measures to reduce the impact of such natural disasters.
In conclusion, the recent earthquakes in Bangladesh and Pakistan, along with the ongoing seismic activity in West Bengal, serve as a stark reminder of the region’s vulnerability to earthquakes. While there have been no major casualties or damage reported in these recent events, the frequency of tremors is cause for concern. Experts continue to urge residents in these areas to stay alert and be prepared for potential aftershocks or more intense earthquakes in the future.
The region’s location at the convergence of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates makes it particularly susceptible to seismic activity. As data from 2025 reveals, hundreds of moderate earthquakes have already been recorded in the region, indicating the ongoing risk. It is crucial for individuals and authorities to continue focusing on earthquake preparedness and building resilient infrastructure to minimize the impact of future seismic events.
