5.1 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Bay of Bengal Near Odisha
On Tuesday, February 25, 2025, a 5.1 magnitude earthquake struck the Bay of Bengal near Odisha’s Puri at 6:10 AM, sending tremors as far as Kolkata. The National Center for Seismology (NCS) reported that the quake’s epicenter was located at 19.52°N latitude and 88.55°E longitude, with a depth of 91 kilometers beneath the Earth’s surface. While no injuries or property damage have been reported so far, the event has left residents in Kolkata and nearby areas on edge.
The earthquake’s impact was felt across parts of West Bengal, including Kolkata, due to its proximity to the Bay of Bengal. Experts say quakes in this region are not uncommon, as the Bay of Bengal lies near tectonic plate boundaries. The depth of 91 kilometers likely reduced the intensity of the shaking on land, preventing widespread damage. Authorities have not yet released an official statement, but monitoring continues to ensure public safety.
This seismic event follows closely on the heels of another earthquake in India. Just two days earlier, on Sunday, a 3.7 magnitude quake rattled Mandi district in Himachal Pradesh. According to the Meteorological (MeT) office, its epicenter was at 31.48°N latitude and 76.95°E longitude, near Kiargi in the Sundernagar area, at a shallow depth of 7 kilometers. Mandi sits in seismic zone 5, a high-risk area prone to significant earthquake damage, unlike the deeper Bay of Bengal quake.
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Earthquakes in India vary in frequency and intensity depending on the region. Northern states like Himachal Pradesh often experience tremors due to their location along the Himalayan tectonic zone, while eastern coastal areas near the Bay of Bengal occasionally feel the effects of underwater seismic activity. Tuesday’s event serves as a reminder of India’s diverse seismic landscape.
For now, residents of Kolkata and Odisha can breathe a sigh of relief as no casualties have been reported. However, experts urge preparedness, as earthquakes remain unpredictable. Stay tuned for updates as authorities assess the situation further.
