Kolkata Earthquake Today: 5.5 Magnitude Tremors Spark Panic Across West Bengal
A significant Kolkata earthquake today, occurring on February 27, 2026, has left residents across West Bengal in a state of high alert. Powerful tremors shook the city and surrounding districts in the early afternoon, prompting mass evacuations of high-rise buildings, shopping malls, and government offices. The seismic event, which originated in neighboring Bangladesh, was felt intensely across the Gangetic delta, raising concerns about the city’s structural readiness for such natural disasters.

Quick Facts: Earthquake in Kolkata (Feb 27, 2026)
| Parameter | Details |
| Magnitude | 5.5 on the Richter Scale |
| Time | 1:22 PM IST |
| Epicenter | Nayabazar/Khulna region, Bangladesh |
| Depth | 10 km (Shallow) |
| Duration | Approximately 10–15 seconds |
Epicenter and Impact of the Kolkata Earthquake Today
The National Center for Seismology (NCS) confirmed that the earthquake’s epicenter was located in southwestern Bangladesh, roughly 100 km from Kolkata. Because the quake occurred at a shallow depth of just 10 km, the seismic waves traveled with high intensity to the surface.
In Kolkata’s IT hub, Salt Lake, and the high-rise residential complexes of New Town, office workers and residents reported swaying ceiling fans and vibrating furniture. Visuals from the state secretariat, Nabanna, showed government employees rushing to open spaces as a precautionary measure.
“We were sitting on the sofa when we suddenly felt the floor vibrating. The fans were swaying wildly, and we didn’t wait—we just ran down the stairs,” said Swagata, a resident of South Kolkata.
Why Did Kolkata Feel Such Strong Tremors?
Geologists point out that the Kolkata earthquake today felt more intense due to the city’s unique geography. Kolkata is built on the Bengal Basin, which consists of deep layers of soft, alluvial soil. This soil acts as a “seismic megaphone,” a phenomenon known as amplification, which can make tremors feel up to 50% stronger than they would on solid rock.
Is There a Threat of Aftershocks?
While no immediate aftershocks have been reported, authorities and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) have advised citizens to remain vigilant. Historically, earthquakes of 5.5 magnitude can be followed by smaller tremors. Fortunately, there have been no reports of major structural damage or casualties in West Bengal so far.
Historical Context of Tremors in West Bengal
While today’s event was startling, Kolkata is no stranger to seismic activity. The city has felt the peripheral effects of massive quakes in the past, including the 1934 Bihar-Nepal earthquake and the more recent 2015 Nepal earthquake. However, the Kolkata earthquake today is a reminder that local fault lines in the Bengal Basin are active and capable of producing moderate-to-high intensity tremors that can impact the city’s dense urban infrastructure.
Safety Checklist: What to Do During an Earthquake
If you are currently experiencing aftershocks or want to prepare for future events, follow these NDRF-approved safety guidelines:
- Drop, Cover, and Hold On: If you are indoors, drop to your knees, take cover under a sturdy desk or table, and hold on until the shaking stops.
- Avoid High-Rise Hazards: Never use elevators during or immediately after a quake. If you are in a high-rise, stay away from windows and outer walls.
- Identify Safe Zones: If you are outdoors, move to an open area away from electric poles, old buildings, and flyovers.
- Gas and Electricity: Immediately switch off the main power supply and gas valves to prevent secondary disasters like fires or short circuits.
- Communication: Use text messages instead of voice calls to keep phone lines open for emergency services.
Conclusion
The Kolkata earthquake today serves as a stark reminder of the seismic vulnerability of the region, specifically the proximity to the Sylhet Fault and the Eocene Hinge Zone. As the city continues to grow vertically, adherence to earthquake-resistant building codes remains the best defense against future seismic events.
Stay tuned to BoundLock for more real-time updates on West Bengal’s Earthquake Today news and safety alerts.
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