Massive Earthquake Tremors Shake Kolkata and Surrounding Regions, Prompting Chaos and Emergency Responses – What Travellers Need to Know

Shocking Earthquake Hits Kolkata and Bangladesh, Sending Shockwaves Across Northeast India

On November 21, 2025, Kolkata and various regions in Northeast India were rocked by strong earthquake tremors originating from Bangladesh. A 5.5-magnitude quake struck near the Bangladeshi capital of Dhaka, sending shockwaves across West Bengal and beyond. The tremors, lasting several seconds, caused immediate panic among residents and tourists, who rushed to the streets seeking safety.

The earthquake originated from Narsingdi, a town located roughly 50 km from Dhaka. While official authorities have yet to confirm the precise intensity and depth of the tremors, it’s clear that the seismic event left an indelible mark on both locals and visitors. The immediate aftermath saw no confirmed reports of casualties or severe damage; however, several areas, including Kolkata, Cooch Behar, and Agartala, felt the shaking, adding to the growing concern for travellers in these regions.

In the wake of this event, it’s crucial for anyone travelling to Kolkata or nearby cities to understand the risks, take precautions, and stay informed about how natural disasters can impact your travel plans.

What Happened in Kolkata and Surrounding Regions?

The 5.5-magnitude earthquake struck Bangladesh near Narsingdi, close to the capital Dhaka. With tremors felt across West Bengal and cities like Guwahati and Shillong, this seismic event caused widespread panic. Kolkata’s streets were flooded with people rushing out of their homes and offices as soon as they felt the shaking. While the quake only lasted for a brief time, it left a lasting impression, particularly in densely populated urban areas.

Reports suggest that the tremors were notably long-lasting in certain regions, amplifying the feeling of unease among locals. Travellers who had planned sightseeing in Kolkata or nearby regions were thrown into confusion, with many taking to social media to share their experiences of the unsettling event.

Why Was Kolkata Affected by the Earthquake?

Kolkata, despite being located near the Bangladesh border, has experienced seismic activity in the past, though not of this scale. The tremors were particularly felt in the city centre and nearby districts like Dakshin Dinajpur and Uttar Dinajpur, which are more sensitive to earthquake waves due to their geographical location near fault lines. Understanding the region’s seismic history is crucial for both locals and tourists to prepare for such events.

With earthquake-resistant infrastructure in place in many buildings, Kolkata has, over the years, improved its safety measures. However, when a major earthquake strikes, even the most prepared cities can be temporarily disrupted. For tourists visiting Kolkata, it’s important to recognise the possibility of such incidents and take the right actions when they happen.

Essential Safety Tips for Tourists During Earthquakes in Kolkata and Surrounding Areas

For tourists visiting Kolkata or any part of Northeast India, knowing how to act during an earthquake is vital. Here’s a quick guide to ensure safety:

1. Stay Calm and Assess: When you feel shaking, stay calm. Most earthquakes only last for a few seconds, but if the tremors are prolonged, take immediate action.
2. Drop, Cover, and Hold On: If indoors, drop to the ground, take cover under a sturdy table or desk, and hold on until the shaking stops.
3. Stay Away from Windows: Glass windows can shatter during tremors, posing a significant risk to those nearby.
4. Evacuate if Necessary: If outside, move to an open area away from buildings, trees, and power lines.
5. Prepare for Aftershocks: Often, after the main quake, aftershocks can occur. Be prepared for further shaking.
6. Stay Informed: Keep updated through local news or emergency services, especially when travel in affected regions is disrupted.

For travellers, Kolkata and Bangladesh are not unfamiliar with natural disasters, and it’s important to monitor real-time earthquake reports and be aware of local safety guidelines.

Travel Disruptions and How to Navigate Them

After a seismic event, there may be disruptions to public transport, including flight cancellations, train delays, or bus service interruptions. For travellers in Kolkata, airports and train stations could become crowded as people attempt to leave the city, creating potential disruptions in your travel plans.

Here’s how to handle any travel disruptions:

• Stay Connected: Use official travel apps or websites to get the latest updates on transport options.
• Alternative Routes: Consider alternative routes or modes of transportation, such as buses or private taxis, to avoid potential traffic or transport issues.
• Booking Flexibility: If you’ve booked travel arrangements post-quake, check with airlines or train services for flexibility in your booking, as many services may face delays.

Why Kolkata and Northeast India Experience Frequent Earthquakes

Kolkata, as well as other regions in Northeast India, sit near one of the world’s most active seismic zones. The Himalayan Belt, including parts of Bangladesh, is known for frequent seismic activity. This is due to the tectonic plates in the region, where the Indian Plate is colliding with the Eurasian Plate, resulting in frequent earthquakes. Though a 5.5 magnitude earthquake isn’t among the most severe, it is enough to cause concern for those living and travelling in this region.

The geological makeup of the region makes it essential for both locals and tourists to be prepared for natural disasters.

Takeaways for Tourists Visiting Kolkata and Surrounding Regions

Travellers in Kolkata, West Bengal, and other regions affected by seismic activity should ensure that they are familiar with the safety measures for dealing with earthquakes. With the region’s history of seismic disturbances, preparedness is key.

• Stay informed about weather and seismic reports.
• Follow emergency procedures to protect yourself.
• Keep an emergency kit with essential items like water, snacks, first aid supplies, and important documents in case you’re forced to stay in shelters or need to evacuate the area.

By understanding how to respond to earthquakes and knowing your surroundings, you can ensure a safer and more enjoyable trip to Kolkata and Northeast India.

The post Massive Earthquake Tremors Shake Kolkata and Surrounding Regions, Prompting Chaos and Emergency Responses – What Travellers Need to Know appeared first on Travel and Tour World