While “aftershocks” are a common phenomenon following an earthquake, the situation currently unfolding in Sikkim is far more alarming. The Himalayan state, neighboring West Bengal, has been rocked by a staggering 39 earthquakes between Friday night and Tuesday morning. Although the magnitude on the Richter scale has fluctuated between 3 and 4, the sheer frequency of these tremors has left experts deeply concerned.

The seismic activity began late Friday night, sending ripples across vast areas of North Bengal. Within a window of just 4 hours and 12 minutes, 12 consecutive tremors were recorded. The shaking continued into Tuesday morning, with Namchi and Mangan being the latest areas affected. Seismologists are classifying this series of tremors as ‘Foreshocks’—a swarm of smaller quakes that often precede a massive, high-intensity earthquake.

Experts are investigating whether heavy interventions in the fragile mountain ecosystem are to blame. Factors such as the construction of massive dams, haphazard urbanization, and the use of dynamite for railway tunneling are under the scanner. The Sikkim Disaster Management Authority has urged residents to remain vigilant and identify safe zones for immediate evacuation if necessary.

Given Sikkim’s proximity to West Bengal and its status as a top destination for Bengali tourists, the state is on high alert. Any major seismic event in Sikkim would undoubtedly have a devastating impact on the plains of North Bengal and beyond.