The event, which occurred around 1:22–1:52 PM IST (depending on local time reporting), highlighted the vulnerability of densely populated urban centers like Kolkata to even moderate seismic activity from nearby regions.
Earthquake Details
The quake's magnitude varied slightly across reporting agencies due to initial assessments and different measurement methods:
US Geological Survey (USGS): Magnitude 5.3, epicenter approximately 26 km southeast of Taki (North 24 Parganas, West Bengal border area), in Khulna Division, Bangladesh. Depth: Very shallow at about 9.8–10 km.
Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) and other local sources: Around 5.4–5.5, with epicenter near areas like Asaashuni (Satkhira), Nayabazar, or southwestern Khulna division, roughly 80–100 km east of Kolkata.
India Meteorological Department (IMD)/National Centre for Seismology (NCS): Recorded as 5.5, shallow depth of 10 km, epicenter coordinates approximately 22.57°N, 89.11°E in Bangladesh.
Some early reports (including initial NDTV coverage) cited a perceived local magnitude of around 4.9 in Kolkata due to distance attenuation, but the source event was consistently in the 5.3–5.5 range.
The shallow depth amplified surface shaking, making the tremors feel more intense over a wide area despite the moderate magnitude. Shaking lasted several seconds to over 10–15 seconds in many reports, with furniture swaying, buildings vibrating, bottles falling, and people describing it as one of the strongest they had felt.
Impact in Kolkata and West Bengal
Kolkata, often called the "City of Joy," experienced noticeable to strong shaking (estimated Modified Mercalli Intensity IV–V in parts of the city, lower than nearer the epicenter but amplified by tall structures and soft alluvial soil). The metropolis, built on sedimentary plains with many older, closely packed buildings, is particularly susceptible:
High-rises and multi-story apartments swayed noticeably.
Residents in areas like Salt Lake, southwest Kolkata, and commercial hubs reported immediate panic.
People rushed out of homes, apartments, schools, and offices en masse, gathering in open spaces, streets, and parks fearing collapses or aftershocks.
Offices in commercial complexes and even government buildings (e.g., parts of Nabanna, the state secretariat) were evacuated as a precaution.
Social media flooded with videos showing crowds spilling onto roads, people running down stairs with children, and screenshots of earthquake alert notifications on mobile phones (via apps like those from IMD or third-party services).
Eyewitness accounts: "The building shook violently... I have never felt such a strong earthquake," said one resident. Another described sofas moving and items toppling.
Adjoining districts in West Bengal also felt the tremors, though intensity decreased with distance.
No Major Damage or Casualties Reported
As of the latest updates (late February 27 into early February 28, 2026):
No immediate reports of casualties, major structural collapses, or significant property damage in Kolkata or West Bengal.
Minor incidents (e.g., cracked walls in older structures or fallen objects) may emerge upon detailed inspections, but initial assessments indicated the event was frightening but not destructive in India.
In Bangladesh (closer to epicenter), USGS PAGER models suggested higher shaking intensity (up to VII – very strong) for over 100,000 people, with potential for light to moderate damage and possible fatalities due to building vulnerability and population density — but no confirmed figures were available in early reports.
Authorities in both countries remained on alert for aftershocks, with monitoring ongoing.
Why Kolkata Felt It Strongly
Kolkata's seismic risk stems from:
Proximity to active tectonic zones (India-Bangladesh border near the Bengal Basin, influenced by the Indo-Burman subduction and Himalayan front dynamics).
Soft, river-deposited soil that amplifies ground motion (similar to issues in other delta cities).
Mix of old, poorly retrofitted buildings in crowded neighborhoods and modern high-rises that can resonate with certain frequencies.
Historical context: The region has experienced stronger events in the past (e.g., 1897 Shillong quake), and recent tremors (like a 6.1 from Myanmar earlier in February 2026) have kept awareness high.
Experts emphasize "Drop, Cover, Hold On" protocols and the need for better building codes, retrofitting, and public drills in vulnerable zones.
Public Reaction and Safety Measures
Panic was evident but orderly in most cases — people followed instincts to evacuate to open areas.
Earthquake alerts helped spread awareness quickly.
Officials urged calm, advising against rumor-mongering and to stay outdoors only until shaking stops, then check for hazards before re-entering.
No tsunami risk was associated, as this was an inland tectonic event.
This tremor served as a stark reminder of the region's seismic activity. Residents in Kolkata and nearby areas are advised to prepare emergency kits, secure heavy furniture, and stay updated via official sources like IMD, NCS, or BMD for any aftershock alerts.
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