Earthquake Hits Bay of Bengal: Tremors Felt in Odisha and West Bengal

KKN Gurugram Desk | An earthquake measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale struck the Bay of Bengal on Tuesday morning, according to the National Center for Seismology (NCS). The tremors were felt across Odisha and West Bengal, including the capital city Kolkata. The seismic activity caused minor panic among residents, but authorities confirmed no reports of damage or casualties.

Earthquake Details: Epicenter and Depth

The earthquake occurred at 6:10 AM with its epicenter located in the Bay of Bengal, approximately 91 kilometers below the surface. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the earthquake was recorded at 19.52° North latitude and 88.55° East longitude.

According to Odisha’s Revenue Department officials, the tremors were mild and did not cause significant damage. However, they were felt in several locations, including Puri, Paradip, and Berhampur.

Tremors Reach Kolkata, Residents Report Mild Shaking

Apart from Odisha, the earthquake also affected parts of West Bengal, with Kolkata residents experiencing noticeable tremors. Some people stepped out of their homes as a precaution, while others reported feeling light shaking indoors.

Despite the tremors, there were no disruptions to daily life or infrastructure damage in the city.

Recent Seismic Activity in India: A Rising Trend?

This earthquake is part of a series of recent seismic activities recorded across different parts of India.

1. Himachal Pradesh Earthquake on Sunday

On Sunday, February 23, 2025, an earthquake measuring 3.7 magnitude struck Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh. The tremors were recorded at 8:42 AM, with the epicenter at 31.48° latitude and 76.95° longitude.

The earthquake was centered 7 kilometers below the surface near Sundernagar, Mandi. Fortunately, there were no casualties or property damage. Notably, Mandi district falls under Seismic Zone 5, which is classified as a high-risk earthquake-prone area.

2. Strong Tremors in Delhi on February 17

Earlier, on February 17, 2025, Delhi experienced strong earthquake tremors. The epicenter was located in Dhaula Kuan’s Lake Park area, 5 kilometers deep. Some residents reported hearing loud sounds before the tremors.

The National Center for Seismology (NCS) mentioned that Delhi has experienced multiple seismic activities over the years, including a 4.6 magnitude earthquake in 2007. The Delhi-NCR region lies in Seismic Zone 4, which makes it one of India’s most earthquake-prone areas.

Why is India Experiencing Frequent Earthquakes?

Seismologists believe that India’s increasing seismic activity is due to tectonic plate movements and geological shifts in the region. The Indian subcontinent lies near the collision zone of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, making North India, the Himalayas, and coastal regions more prone to earthquakes.

Factors Contributing to Frequent Earthquakes:

✅ Tectonic Plate Movements – The collision between the Indian and Eurasian plates leads to increased seismic activity.
✅ Geological Fault Lines – Areas like Himalayas, Delhi-NCR, and Coastal India are near major fault lines.
✅ Urbanization and Infrastructure Pressure – Increased construction activity in high-risk zones can amplify earthquake damage.

How Can People Stay Safe During Earthquakes?

As India continues to witness frequent seismic activity, it is crucial to be prepared for earthquakes. Here are some essential earthquake safety tips:

Before an Earthquake:

✔ Know the Safe Spots – Identify safe places in your home, such as under sturdy furniture or against an interior wall.
✔ Create an Emergency Kit – Keep water, food, first-aid supplies, flashlights, and batteries ready.
✔ Check Your Home’s Structure – Ensure buildings follow earthquake-resistant construction codes.

During an Earthquake:

✔ Drop, Cover, and Hold On – Get under a sturdy table and protect your head and neck.
✔ Stay Indoors – Avoid running outside during shaking, as debris can fall.
✔ Keep Away from Windows and Heavy Objects – Stand away from glass, mirrors, and furniture that can topple.

After an Earthquake:

✔ Check for Injuries – Provide first aid to anyone injured and seek help.
✔ Avoid Damaged Buildings – Do not enter weakened structures as aftershocks can cause further damage.
✔ Be Prepared for Aftershocks – Smaller tremors can follow minutes or hours after the main earthquake.

Delhi-NCR, Himachal Pradesh, and Coastal India: High-Risk Earthquake Zones

Seismologists categorize India’s seismic zones based on earthquake risks. According to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), there are four seismic zones in India:

• Zone 5 (Very High Risk) – Includes Northeastern states, parts of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Gujarat.
• Zone 4 (High Risk) – Covers Delhi-NCR, Bihar, West Bengal, and parts of Maharashtra.
• Zone 3 (Moderate Risk) – Includes Odisha, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and parts of Rajasthan.
• Zone 2 (Low Risk) – Includes Central and South Indian states with minimal earthquake risks.

Since Delhi-NCR, Himachal Pradesh, and Odisha fall under high-risk zones, authorities need to ensure earthquake preparedness and infrastructure safety.

The recent 5.1 magnitude earthquake in the Bay of Bengal is a reminder of India’s increasing seismic activity. While no damage or casualties were reported, the tremors were felt across Odisha, West Bengal, and Kolkata.

With Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, and other high-risk zones experiencing multiple tremors, experts suggest improving earthquake preparedness, following safety protocols, and ensuring earthquake-resistant infrastructure.

📌 Key Takeaways:

• A 5.1 magnitude earthquake struck the Bay of Bengal, with tremors in Odisha and West Bengal.
• No casualties or damage were reported.
• Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, and Odisha have seen increased seismic activity in recent months.
• India’s tectonic plate movements make it an earthquake-prone region.
• Earthquake safety measures should be followed to prevent future risks.

As earthquakes become more frequent, preparedness, awareness, and infrastructure improvements will be crucial in minimizing risks and ensuring public safety.