Earthquake in Bay of Bengal: 5.1 Magnitude Quake Hits Near Odisha's Puri

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An earthquake of magnitude 5.1 was recorded at 6.10 a.m. on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, near Puri in Odisha, according to an IMD official. The quake occurred at a depth of 91 km in the Bay of Bengal, with its epicenter located at latitude 19.52 N and longitude 88.55 E. The earthquake was felt in several places, including Paradip, Puri, Berhampur, and other parts of Odisha, as well as in neighboring Kolkata. However, there were no reports of any loss of properties or casualties, with the impact of the earthquake being described as "negligible" due to its center being located in the Bay of Bengal.

The tremors were felt by residents in various parts of Odisha, including Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, and Rourkela, with some taking to social media to share their experiences. The earthquake struck at a time when the region is considered to be moderately seismic-prone, with Odisha falling in seismic zone III and II. The state's Revenue and Disaster Management minister had previously informed the Assembly that 14 districts in the state are at risk of earthquakes, highlighting the need for preparedness and disaster management measures.

The earthquake in the Bay of Bengal is a reminder of the region's vulnerability to seismic activity, with Kolkata also lying in seismic zone III and being at moderate risk. While the city occasionally experiences tremors due to quakes in Nepal or North-East India, the latest earthquake has raised concerns about the potential impact of such events on the region's infrastructure and population. The fact that no damage or casualties were reported this time is a relief, but it also underscores the importance of being prepared for such events and having effective disaster management systems in place.

Here is a list of key points related to the earthquake: * The earthquake occurred at 6.10 a.m. on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 * The magnitude of the earthquake was 5.1 * The epicenter was located in the Bay of Bengal, near Odisha's Puri * The depth of the earthquake was 91 km * Tremors were felt in several places, including Paradip, Puri, Berhampur, and Kolkata * No damage or casualties were reported * Odisha falls in seismic zone III and II, with 14 districts at risk of earthquakes * Kolkata lies in seismic zone III, with moderate risk of seismic activity

The earthquake in the Bay of Bengal has highlighted the need for increased awareness and preparedness for seismic events in the region. With the potential for more powerful earthquakes in the future, it is essential for authorities and residents to take proactive measures to mitigate the risks and minimize the impact of such events. This includes having effective disaster management systems in place, conducting regular drills and awareness campaigns, and ensuring that buildings and infrastructure are designed and constructed to withstand seismic activity. By taking these steps, the region can reduce its vulnerability to earthquakes and ensure a safer and more resilient future for its residents.