At least 13 earthquakes jolted India’s northeastern state of Sikkim within four and a half hours late Wednesday night, sending waves of panic across the region. The tremors were felt as far as northern Bangladesh, waking people from sleep in several districts.
According to India’s National Center for Seismology (NCS), the strongest earthquake struck around 1:30 am (IST) near Gyalshing in western Sikkim, measuring 4.5 on the Richter scale. The quake originated at a depth of approximately 10 kilometers beneath the Earth’s surface.
Following the main tremor, a series of aftershocks were recorded. The NCS reported seven minor tremors in Mangan, four in Namchi, and another 3.1-magnitude quake in Gangtok, the state capital.
The repeated shaking caused widespread fear, particularly among tourists. Many reportedly rushed out of hotels in the middle of the night, while local residents left their homes to seek safety in open areas. Several people shared their experiences on social media, describing moments of confusion and anxiety. However, no major casualties or structural damage have been reported so far, according to Indian media outlet The Wire.
Tremors Wake Residents in Northern Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, residents of Thakurgaon and Dinajpur districts reported feeling mild tremors around 1:40 am on Thursday, triggering panic in several neighborhoods.
Locals from Goalpara area of Thakurgaon town, including residents named Sagar, Suman, and Nirab, told Dhaka Post that houses and furniture shook for a few seconds, forcing many people to wake up suddenly. Some residents temporarily stepped outside their homes as a precaution.
Tremors were also felt in Thakurgaon Sadar, Pirganj, Ranisankail, and Baliadangi, as well as in parts of neighboring Dinajpur, according to posts shared on social media. Authorities confirmed that no injuries or damage have been reported in Bangladesh.
Seismologists note that the Himalayan region is highly earthquake-prone, and aftershocks following moderate earthquakes are common.
13 Earthquakes Strike Sikkim in 4.5 Hours, Tremors Felt in Bangladesh
A 4.5-magnitude quake triggered a series of aftershocks across northern Sikkim, causing panic among residents and tourists; mild tremors were also reported in parts of northern Bangladesh
Residents in Sikkim and northern Bangladesh spent the night outdoors after 13 tremors struck the region within four hours.
