A magnitude 5.9 earthquake that struck Myanmar earlier this week sent tremors across eastern India, including Kolkata, and parts of Bangladesh, briefly triggering evacuations from offices and residential buildings.
While most people rushed outdoors to ensure their safety, one office evacuation in Kolkata took an unexpected turn and has since gone viral on social media.
## Evacuation moment becomes unscheduled break
A video shared on Instagram by an employee of a telecommunications company shows staff members leaving their office building via staircases and assembling in an open area outside. Instead of remaining alert, many employees are seen chatting casually in groups and lighting cigarettes, treating the evacuation as an impromptu break.
The caption on the video read, “Earthquake ❌, sutta break ✔️,” while the person who posted the clip added, “Earthquake less and more of a content. We were asked to evacuate, and people simply had another sutta break.” She later clarified, “Jokes apart, hope everyone is fine.”
## Social media reacts with humour and concern
The clip quickly spread online, drawing a mix of amusement and criticism. Several users joked about the situation, with comments such as, “Didn’t feel the earthquake, but the cigarette break was necessary,” and “Building evacuated, smoking zone filled.”
Others quipped that by the time people reached the ground, the tremors would already be over. However, not all reactions were light-hearted.
## Questions raised over safety awareness
Some users described the scene as disturbing, saying it reflected how seriously safety protocols are often taken in real-life emergencies. A few comments pointed out the irony of people flouting basic safety norms while later expressing concern over issues like air pollution.
Experts have repeatedly stressed that evacuation drills and real emergency responses are meant to prioritise safety, not convenience. Even mild tremors can escalate into dangerous situations if people fail to remain cautious.
The video has sparked a broader conversation on workplace safety culture and how emergencies are perceived, particularly in urban office environments.
Disclaimer: Cigarette smoking is injurious to health. This report is based on user-generated content shared on social media and has not been independently verified.