Kolkata and various parts of West Bengal felt strong tremors after an earthquake struck neighbouring Bangladesh Friday afternoon.

The magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck southwestern Bangladesh near Jessore/Khulna at 13:52 local time (07:52 UTC), about 102 km east-northeast of Kolkata.

According to the European Mediterranean ‌Seismological Centre (EMSC), the ⁠quake ⁠was ⁠at ‌a depth ‌of 35 ‌km (21.75 miles).

“It lasted for at least several seconds. It was so strong that my parked vehicle was shaking,” said Kolkata resident Omkar Trivedi.

The tremors caused panic among residents across the state, prompting many to rush out of buildings and onto the streets. In densely populated areas like Kolkata and its surrounding districts, people abandoned their homes and workplaces, gathering in open spaces as a safety precaution.

Several MLAs who were in the Assembly also ran out in the open after experiencing the tremors.

Riya Gupta, a homemaker, said, “I was in bed watching a series, and suddenly my bed started shaking. I thought it could be an earthquake, but I was still confused. Shockingly, I saw my wardrobe moving. This was the first time I felt tremors this strong.”

Salon owner Bibhas Laha, 28, said, “I was doing makeup when I felt the floor beneath me moving. I sat on a chair, and it felt if the earthquake lasted for a few more seconds, our building would collapse.”

While the tremors were widely felt, initial reports from the West Bengal Disaster Management Department and civic authorities indicated no immediate reports of casualties or significant structural damage in the state. Officials are continuing to monitor the situation closely.

Kolkata had felt tremors in November last year as well.