Kolkata Experiences Strong Tremors Following 5.9-Magnitude Earthquake in Myanmar
Residents across Kolkata and various parts of West Bengal were startled on Tuesday as strong tremors shook the region, originating from a significant earthquake in neighboring Myanmar. The seismic event, measuring approximately 5.9 on the Richter scale, sent shockwaves through multiple areas, prompting people to leave their homes and share their experiences on social media platforms.
Details of the Seismic Event
According to data from the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC), the epicenter of the earthquake was located nearly 70 miles east of Akyab in Myanmar. The German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) reported that the quake occurred at a depth of around 10 kilometers (6.21 miles). This seismic activity marks the third earthquake felt in Myanmar over the past 71 hours, highlighting a period of increased geological unrest in the region.
In Kolkata, the tremors were strong enough to cause visible movement of household items such as fans and furniture. Many residents reported feeling their beds shaking, with some describing the experience as lasting several minutes. The widespread nature of the tremors also affected neighboring Bangladesh, where this was the second tremor felt within a 24-hour period. Earlier on Tuesday, a 4.1-magnitude earthquake had struck Bangladesh, as confirmed by the National Centre for Seismology (NCS), which noted that quake occurred at a depth of 150 kilometers.
Social Media Flooded with Personal Accounts
As the tremors subsided, social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), became inundated with posts from Kolkata residents sharing their firsthand experiences. Many users expressed confusion and concern, questioning whether others had felt the earthquake. One user wrote, "Did South Kolkata experience an earthquake twice today?? In the early morning and just now." Another echoed similar sentiments, posting, "Earthquake in Kolkata? Did anyone else feel it?" A particularly vivid account came from a third user who stated, "Five minutes ago, my bed was shaking — felt like an earthquake."
These posts not only captured the immediate reaction of the public but also underscored the duration and intensity of the tremors. Fortunately, there have been no reports of damage or injuries from the earthquake so far, providing some relief amid the anxiety.
Understanding Earthquake Magnitude and Energy
Earthquakes are a common global phenomenon, with experts noting that they occur somewhere in the world roughly every 30 seconds, though most are too weak to be detected by humans. The magnitude of an earthquake is a critical factor in understanding its potential impact. For instance, a 4.0-magnitude earthquake releases energy comparable to about 6 tonnes of TNT. However, due to the logarithmic nature of the Richter scale (base 10), the energy released increases dramatically with each increment in magnitude.
To put this into perspective:
- A 5.0-magnitude quake is equivalent to about 200 tonnes of TNT.
- A 7.0-magnitude quake corresponds to approximately 199,000 tonnes of TNT.
- A 9.0-magnitude quake releases energy comparable to a staggering 99,000,000 tonnes of TNT.
This context helps illustrate why the 5.9-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar was capable of producing strong tremors felt hundreds of kilometers away in Kolkata and Bangladesh. The event serves as a reminder of the interconnected nature of seismic activity across regions and the importance of preparedness in earthquake-prone areas.
