5.4 magnitude earthquake jolts Dhaka, tremors felt in Kolkata and parts of West Bengal

Dhaka : A moderate earthquake measuring 5.4 on the Richter scale struck Bangladesh’s capital Dhaka on Friday, triggering panic among residents and sending tremors across several parts of eastern India, including Kolkata and other regions of West Bengal.

According to seismic monitoring authorities, the earthquake originated near the Agargaon area in Dhaka. The tremors were strong enough to be felt in multiple districts, prompting residents to rush out of homes, offices, and buildings in fear. No immediate reports of major casualties or structural damage were confirmed at the time of reporting, but authorities are closely monitoring the situation.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) stated that the epicentre was located in the southwestern region of the Agargaon seismic observatory. The quake struck suddenly, catching residents off guard during routine activities.

In Kolkata and nearby areas, several people reported feeling noticeable shaking that lasted for a few seconds. Witnesses described furniture and household objects moving due to the tremors. Videos circulating on social media showed ceiling fans swaying and items falling from shelves inside homes and offices.

A Kolkata resident, Swagata, described the frightening moment while speaking to media agencies. “We were sitting on the sofa when we suddenly felt the tremors. The sofa and ceiling fan began shaking. A bottle placed on the table fell down. We immediately rushed downstairs to safety,” the resident said.

The tremors created temporary panic, with many residents evacuating buildings as a precautionary measure. Offices in high-rise buildings also reported evacuation drills being triggered automatically as part of safety protocols.

Earthquakes of this magnitude are considered moderate but can cause damage depending on depth, location, and structural strength of buildings. Experts note that Bangladesh and eastern India fall within seismically sensitive zones, making them vulnerable to periodic tremors.

Disaster management authorities in Bangladesh and India are continuing to assess the situation. Emergency response teams have been placed on alert, though no emergency warnings or evacuation orders have been issued so far.

Authorities have urged citizens to remain calm and follow safety guidelines in case of aftershocks. Seismologists are monitoring seismic activity closely to determine whether additional tremors may occur in the coming hours.

Further updates are expected as officials complete damage assessments and gather detailed field reports.