Residents across Kolkata and parts of Eastern India were jolted by a significant earthquake on Friday afternoon. The tremors, which lasted for several seconds, sent people rushing out of high-rise buildings and homes into the streets. While the shaking was intense enough to topple items from shelves, preliminary reports suggest there have been no immediate casualties or major structural collapses.
Table of Contents
- The Details: Magnitude and Epicenter
- Resident Experiences: “The Strongest Tremors Yet”
- Impact and Safety Reports
- What to Do During Aftershocks
The Details: Magnitude and Epicenter
The earthquake struck at approximately 1:22 PM IST. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the quake registered a preliminary magnitude of 5.3.
The seismic activity originated at a relatively shallow depth of 9.8 km, which often results in more perceptible shaking on the surface. The epicenter was identified near the India-Bangladesh border, specifically located about 26 km southeast of Taki in West Bengal and roughly 26 km southwest of Khulna, Bangladesh.
| Key Earthquake Data | Details |
| Magnitude | 5.3 – 5.4 |
| Time | 1:22:30 PM IST |
| Depth | 9.8 km |
| Epicenter | Near Satkhira, Khulna Division (Bangladesh) |
| Coordinates | 22.451°N, 89.139°E |
Resident Experiences: “The Strongest Tremors Yet
The afternoon silence was broken as buildings began to sway. In neighborhoods ranging from Salt Lake to Behala, the panic was palpable.
A 12-year-old resident of a Salt Lake apartment complex described the sensation vividly, noting that the entire structure felt as if it were moving. On social media, the sentiment was echoed by thousands. Annesha Ghosh, a sports journalist, shared on X (formerly Twitter) that these were “possibly the strongest tremors” she had felt in her life, noting that objects were falling off shelves.
The tremors were felt most acutely in:
- Kolkata: High-rises in IT hubs and residential towers experienced significant swaying.
- North & South 24 Parganas: Areas near the border reported the most intense vibrations.
- Bangladesh Border Regions: Strong shaking reported in Satkhira and Khulna.
⚡ Strong earthquake tremors shake #Kolkata :
— VARTA ( वार्ता ) (@varta24news) February 27, 2026
Residents step out of homes & offices in panic as the city experiences one of the strongest jolts in recent memory.
No immediate reports of major damage yet.#Earthquake #KolkataNews #WestBengal pic.twitter.com/pvOnhqdgYr
Impact and Safety Reports
Despite the intensity of the shaking, the initial outlook is hopeful. Local authorities and disaster management teams have been monitoring the situation closely. As of this hour, there are no confirmed reports of casualties or significant property damage in West Bengal.
Experts suggest that because the magnitude remained in the “moderate” range (5.3), most modern RCC (Reinforced Concrete) structures in Kolkata were able to absorb the shock without failing. However, older buildings in North Kolkata are being surveyed for potential cracks.
What to Do During Aftershocks
When a shallow earthquake occurs, aftershocks are a possibility. It is essential to remain calm and follow standard safety protocols:
- Drop, Cover, and Hold On: If you are indoors, get under a sturdy piece of furniture.
- Stay Away from Windows: Glass panes can shatter during secondary tremors.
- Avoid Elevators: Always use the stairs if you need to evacuate a building.
- Check Gas Lines: If you smell gas, turn off the main valve immediately to prevent fires.
