Strong Earthquake in Bangladesh Triggers Tremors Across Kolkata and West Bengal; Panic Grips Residents
After strong earthquakes hit Kolkata and several nearby districts on Friday, the residents took to driving out of houses and offices fleeing panic. The earthquake in Bangladesh came from Bangladesh, according to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC).
Aadrika Tayal 
New Delhi (India) November 21: A 5.5 earthquake struck Bangladesh early Friday, but several were injured. The effects of such tremors in West Bengal caused tensions throughout. In preliminary reports, the earthquake was felt between 10.08 and 10.10 am for a few seconds in Kolkata, Malda, Nadia, Cooch Behar and several other areas. In other parts of West Bengal, Dakshin and Uttar Dinajpur, tensions were also felt.
The USGS also reported tremors in some areas of Northeast India that were felt elsewhere, including in West Bengal. The epicenter was Ghorasal, in Dhaka, and the quake was 10 km deep.
Six Killed in Dhaka as Structures Collapse; Dozens Report Minor Injuries
At least six people were dead in Bangladesh‘s capital, DBC Television reported, including three on a balcony collapsed by the collapse of a building roof and wall, and three pedestrians on a balcony collapsed by building railings in Dhaka.
It also slowed down the current Test match between Bangladesh and Ireland in Dhaka for some time. But, the game reopened after a short while and no damage was reported.
Strong Tremors Felt Across West Bengal
Heavy tremors whipped in as the earthquake weakened into Kolkata and nearby adjacent districts, sending residents panicked out of their homes and offices. The quake originated in Bangladesh, according to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC).
Many of the images soon exploded on social media as locals gathered outside residential buildings, schools and commercial buildings outside.
Experts Cite Active Tectonic Plates Behind Frequent Quakes in Region
The Indian-Eurasian plate is one of the most seismically active continental regions of the world, and Afghanistan, Pakistan and northern India are part of the most seismically active continental continent. Because of the location of fault lines, a moderate to strong earthquake often occurs frequently across borders.
Bangladesh is positioned on a highly active junction of three tectonic plates—the Indian, Eurasian and Burma plates. The Indian plate moves northward to around 6 cm each year, while the Eurasian plate moves northward to 2 cm each year.
The country is situated within 13 earthquake-prone areas, which include Bogura fault, Tripura fault, Shillong Plateau, Dauki fault and Assam fault. A ranking of most highly-risk areas, such as Chattogram, the Chattogram Hill Tracts, and Jaintiapur in Sylhet is highest.
Earlier Earthquakes in Bangladesh
The National Centre for Seismology in Bangladesh reported a magnitude 3.4 earthquake in October last month.
This is a shallow earthquake, the seismic waves go further away than surface when shaken because the waves travel shorter distances. As world seismic data points out, an earthquake occurs a few hundred million times over the span of a minute, but most aren’t detectable.
