Earthquake of magnitude 5.1 hits Bay of Bengal
On Tuesday morning, a significant earthquake of magnitude 5.1 struck the Bay of Bengal, sending tremors through several parts of West Bengal, including the state capital Kolkata. The National Center for Seismology (NCS) reported that the quake occurred at 6:10 am. Although no immediate reports of damage or casualties have emerged, the incident has sent shockwaves across the region.
According to the NCS, the earthquake’s epicenter was located in the Bay of Bengal, roughly 120 kilometers east of Sagar Island in West Bengal. The quake was reportedly a shallow one, with a depth of just 10 kilometers. This proximity to the surface can often amplify the effects of an earthquake, making it feel stronger than its actual magnitude.
Residents of Kolkata and surrounding areas reported feeling the tremors, with many taking to social media to share their experiences. “I was woken up by the sudden jolt. It was quite strong and lasted for several seconds,” tweeted a local resident. “I was in my office when the earthquake struck. The building creaked and groaned, but thankfully, there was no damage,” shared another.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a statement confirming the earthquake and urging citizens to remain calm. “The earthquake was an isolated incident, and there is no reason to panic,” said an IMD spokesperson. “However, we are closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as more information becomes available.”
The Bay of Bengal is a seismically active region, with many earthquakes occurring in the area every year. However, earthquakes of this magnitude are relatively rare. The last significant earthquake to hit the region was in 2007, when a magnitude 6.5 quake struck the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
In the aftermath of the earthquake, officials from the West Bengal government and local authorities are working to assess the situation and provide support to affected areas. “We have deployed teams to the affected regions to conduct a thorough assessment of the damage,” said a government spokesperson. “Our priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of the people and to provide any necessary assistance.”
As the region continues to recover from the shock of the earthquake, questions are being raised about the preparedness of the authorities to respond to such incidents. “While it’s reassuring to hear that no damage or casualties have been reported, it’s essential that we take steps to improve our disaster preparedness and response mechanisms,” said a local resident. “We need to ensure that our infrastructure is robust enough to withstand natural disasters like earthquakes.”
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of being prepared for natural disasters. As the region continues to recover from the impact of the earthquake, it’s essential that we work together to build a more resilient and disaster-proof community.
