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Kolkata Residents Describe “Very Intense Earthquake”; Buildings Shook for Nearly 30 Seconds
Residents across Kolkata reported strong tremors on Thursday evening, with many describing it as one of the most intense shaking experiences in recent years. According to eyewitness accounts, buildings swayed for 20 to 30 seconds, prompting people to rush outdoors in alarm.
The tremors were felt across several neighbourhoods including Salt Lake, Park Street, Gariahat, Behala, and New Town. Many residents said they felt their chairs move and ceiling fans sway, indicating a significant seismic activity.
Authorities and disaster response teams are monitoring the situation closely. No major damage has been reported so far, though precautionary checks are ongoing.
Eyewitness Accounts: What People Experienced
1. “The whole building moved twice.”
Residents reported strong horizontal movement, causing doors and windows to shake noticeably.
2. “The duration felt unusually long.”
Many described the tremors as lasting close to half a minute, longer than typical mild shakes.
3. “People rushed out in panic.”
Several high-rise occupants said they evacuated immediately due to the intensity of the vibrations.
4. “Furniture and fans visibly moved.”
In some homes, tables, water bottles, and hanging lights were seen swaying.
Which Areas Reported the Strongest Tremors?
Preliminary reports suggest the strongest vibrations were felt in:
Salt Lake Sector V
New Town
Tollygunge
Howrah
Dum Dum
Bhowanipore
Kasba
These areas have higher population density and numerous high-rise structures, which tend to amplify tremors.
Why the Shaking Felt Stronger and Longer
Experts note that the shaking’s intensity in multi-storey buildings can feel stronger due to structural resonance. The city also lies in the influence zone of regional seismic activity, making tremor transmission common even when the epicentre is distant.
Key factors:
Building height and age
Soil composition
Proximity to fault lines
Depth of the earthquake
Duration of seismic waves
Safety Measures Instantly Activated
Officials advised residents to:
Stay away from walls and glass panels
Avoid elevators temporarily
Inspect cracks in buildings
Remain updated via official alerts
Seismologists are evaluating the intensity and impact, and a detailed report is expected soon.
FAQs
1. How long did the Kolkata tremors last?
Eyewitnesses reported shaking for around 20 to 30 seconds, which felt unusually long.
2. Was the epicentre in Kolkata?
Preliminary assessments suggest the epicentre was not within the city but in a nearby seismic zone. Official reports are awaited.
3. Was there any major damage?
No significant structural damage has been reported yet, though assessments are ongoing.
4. Why did the tremor feel so strong in high-rise buildings?
Tall buildings experience amplified shaking due to structural sway and soil dynamics.
5. What should residents do after such tremors?
Stay alert, check for cracks, avoid elevators, and follow government safety advisories.
6. Why did the news trend rapidly?
Because large urban populations searched for real-time updates simultaneously, boosting visibility and fast indexing.
Published on : 21 st November
Published by : Reddy kumar
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