Kolkata Jolt: The Day Buildings Swayed and Social Media Exploded

Imagine, if you will, a typical Sunday morning in Kolkata. Perhaps you're enjoying a cup of chai, or maybe just lounging after a leisurely breakfast. Then, out of nowhere, the ground beneath you starts to tremble. Not just a little wiggle, mind you, but a distinct, unsettling sway that makes your entire building feel like it's momentarily dancing to an invisible rhythm. That's precisely what countless residents across the city and wider West Bengal experienced this past Sunday, April 28th, around 11:30 AM IST.

It was a moment of immediate confusion and, for many, a touch of panic. Reports quickly poured in of chandeliers swinging wildly, furniture shifting, and objects rattling precariously. People described a visceral sensation, with some exclaiming that their "entire building literally shook." Naturally, instincts kicked in, prompting many to rush out into the open, seeking safety from the unsettling movement within their homes and offices. One couldn't help but wonder: Was it just dizziness? A passing heavy vehicle? Or something far more significant?

In these modern times, where do people turn for immediate answers during such an unexpected event? Social media, of course. Almost instantaneously, platforms like X (formerly Twitter) lit up with a torrent of posts. "Did anyone else feel that earthquake in Kolkata?" became the prevailing question, quickly followed by videos capturing the subtle but undeniable shaking, even the humorous-yet-anxious memes that always seem to emerge in moments of shared bewilderment. It was a digital town square of real-time confirmation, a collective sigh of relief once it was established that, yes, it truly was an earthquake, and not just an individual bout of vertigo.

As the initial flurry of personal accounts settled, official information began to emerge, putting the pieces together. The seismic event, measuring a significant 6.0 on the Richter scale, originated far from Kolkata's bustling streets. Its epicenter was traced to Myanmar, approximately 535 kilometers east-northeast of Dhaka, Bangladesh. This explained why the tremors weren't confined to just Kolkata, but were also distinctly felt across various parts of Bangladesh, as well as India's Northeastern states, making it a widespread regional phenomenon.

Thankfully, despite the widespread jolt and the momentary scare, there were no immediate reports of any casualties or significant damage to property. The city, after its brief and unsettling dance, quickly settled back into its Sunday routine, perhaps with a newfound appreciation for solid ground. It was a stark reminder of the planet's restless nature, a shared experience that once again showcased how quickly a community can connect and react in the face of the unexpected.