A 5.3 magnitude earthquake struck near Kolkata at 1:22 PM IST on February 27, 2026, with epicenter 26 km southeast of Taki, West Bengal (22.451°N, 89.139°E) at 9.8 km depth. Strong tremors panicked residents, evacuating offices, homes, and high-rises amid swaying fans and rattling furniture.
Panic and Immediate Response
Videos captured crowds fleeing buildings in Kolkata, Howrah, and South Bengal districts; no casualties or major damage reported yet. Alerts via apps urged “drop, cover, hold”; social media buzzed with shaking footage from apartments.
Seismic Details and Variations
USGS confirmed 5.3 magnitude; EMSC initially pegged 5.5 near Khulna, Bangladesh. Shallow depth amplified effects on Ganges delta’s soft sediments, heightening sway in high-rises despite moderate intensity.
Regional Impact
Tremors felt in Dhaka vicinity; Kolkata’s seismic vulnerability stems from proximity to Sylhet Fault and alluvial basin amplification. Authorities monitor aftershocks; structural checks underway for older edifices.
Safety Advisory
NDMA advises staying outdoors initially, avoiding elevators, checking gas lines. Bengal Basin’s Zone III-IV risk underscores preparedness amid climate-seismic overlaps.
