Kolkata: A powerful earthquake rattled Kolkata on Friday afternoon, triggering panic among residents as tremors were felt across the city at around 1:22 pm IST. According to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS), the quake measured 5.5 on the Richter scale and struck at a shallow depth of 10 km.
The epicentre was located in Bangladesh at latitude 22.57°N and longitude 89.11°E, close to the India-Bangladesh border, explaining why tremors were widely felt in parts of West Bengal.
USGS Records 5.3 Magnitude, Epicentre Near Taki
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) recorded the earthquake at a slightly lower magnitude of 5.3. It stated that the epicentre was approximately 26 km southeast of Taki in West Bengal.
The tremor impacted several districts bordering Bangladesh, with stronger shaking reported in high-rise residential buildings. Residents described ceiling fans swaying, windows rattling, and furniture vibrating for several seconds.
Panic On Streets, No Immediate Reports Of Damage
As the ground shook, many people rushed out of homes and offices in fear. Social media platforms were flooded with posts from users recounting their first experience of an earthquake. One resident wrote that it was the “first time” they had felt tremors, while another described the shaking as “terrible waves” moving through buildings.
#WATCH | West Bengal: An earthquake with a magnitude of 5.4 on the Richter Scale hit South-West from BMD Seismic Centre, Agargaon, Dhaka in Bangladesh. Tremors felt in Kolkata, West Bengal.
Visuals from Kolkata city as people rush out of their residences. pic.twitter.com/62TVn7I0Z2
— ANI (@ANI) February 27, 2026
Visuals circulating online showed people gathering in open spaces as a precautionary measure. The quake struck during working hours, leading to brief disruptions in some offices and residential complexes.
Authorities are currently assessing the situation. As of now, there have been no confirmed reports of casualties or significant structural damage.
