Residents across Kolkata and several adjoining areas felt mild tremors on Tuesday night after a moderate-intensity earthquake struck Myanmar, sending vibrations across parts of eastern and northeastern India. The quake, though brief, caused momentary panic among people in high-rise buildings and offices, especially in the city’s commercial zones.
According to officials from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the earthquake measured magnitude 6 on the Richter scale and occurred at around 9.04 pm IST. The tremors lasted only a few seconds but were strong enough to be distinctly felt across multiple locations in Kolkata.
Several residents living in multi-storey apartments reported feeling their buildings sway lightly. Office employees working late hours in central and eastern parts of the city also confirmed sensing the tremor.
Many people initially mistook the shaking for strong winds or structural movement before realising it was seismic activity. While there was no mass evacuation, a brief wave of concern spread, particularly among those on higher floors.
Authorities confirmed that no immediate reports of damage or injuries have been received from Kolkata or nearby regions. Emergency services remained on alert as a precaution, but the situation was described as stable.
An IMD official stated that the epicentre was located in Myanmar and that the department was closely monitoring seismic data for any significant aftershocks. In a later update, the IMD provided precise technical details of the earthquake. According to the official statement, the quake occurred at a depth of 27 kilometres, with its epicentre located at latitude 20.42° North and longitude 93.88° East.
Seismologists note that earthquakes at this depth can transmit tremors across long distances, which explains why the quake was felt in parts of India despite originating outside the country.
Myanmar lies in a seismically active zone due to the complex interaction of tectonic plates in the region. Earthquakes originating there frequently send tremors across northeastern and eastern India, including states like West Bengal, Assam, Manipur, and Tripura. Experts explain that the region's geological structure allows seismic waves to travel efficiently, making cities like Kolkata more susceptible to distant earthquakes, even when the impact remains mild.
For many residents, the experience was brief but unsettling. Social media platforms saw a surge of posts from users asking whether others felt the tremors. Within minutes, confirmations poured in from different parts of the city, helping ease anxiety. Most people returned to normal activities soon after, reassured by the absence of visible damage and official confirmation that the quake posed no immediate threat.
The IMD and disaster management authorities are continuing to monitor seismic activity in the region. While no strong aftershocks have been reported so far, officials advise residents to remain calm and follow basic safety guidelines in case of future tremors. Experts reiterate that such moderate earthquakes are not uncommon in this part of the world and usually do not cause damage unless they are shallow or of higher magnitude.
The Myanmar earthquake of magnitude 6 caused brief tremors across Kolkata and surrounding areas, reminding residents of the region’s seismic sensitivity. However, with no reports of damage or casualties, authorities confirm there is no cause for alarm at present.
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