Strong Earthquake Tremors Rock Kolkata, Trigger Mass Evacuations
News Mania Desk/ Piyal Chatterjee/ 27th February 2026
Kolkata witnessed scenes of panic on Friday afternoon after strong earthquake tremors shook the city and several adjoining areas, forcing people to rush out of offices, homes and educational institutions. The tremors were felt shortly after 1:20 pm and lasted for several seconds, startling residents across multiple neighbourhoods. According to preliminary seismic assessments, the earthquake measured between 5.3 and 5.5 on the Richter scale. The epicentre was reported to be in neighbouring Bangladesh, near the India–Bangladesh border, at a relatively shallow depth, which intensified the impact in parts of eastern India, including West Bengal.
High-rise buildings swayed noticeably, ceiling fans oscillated, and furniture shifted as the tremors rippled through the city. Employees in corporate offices, IT parks and commercial complexes immediately evacuated buildings as a precautionary measure. Many gathered in open spaces and on streets until the shaking subsided. Similar scenes were reported in residential complexes, where families hurried downstairs in fear of aftershocks.
Witnesses described the tremors as among the strongest felt in recent years. In several areas, the quake disrupted meetings and public events, with speakers pausing mid-address as the ground moved beneath them. Social media platforms were flooded with visuals and firsthand accounts from residents documenting the moment the tremors struck.
Despite the widespread alarm, there were no immediate reports of casualties or major structural damage. Authorities and disaster response teams began monitoring the situation closely and urged citizens to remain calm while staying alert for any further seismic activity.
Kolkata lies in a region that can experience the effects of tectonic movements originating in neighbouring zones. While significant earthquakes are not frequent in the city itself, tremors from nearby seismic activity are occasionally felt, underscoring the need for preparedness and awareness.
