KOLKATA – Panic gripped the streets of Kolkata and several districts of West Bengal on Friday afternoon as a significant earthquake struck the region, sending residents rushing out of their homes and high-rise buildings.

The tremors, which occurred at approximately 1:25 PM IST on February 27, 2026, lasted for several seconds. Initial data from the National Centre for Seismology (NCS) indicates the earthquake had a magnitude of 5.5 on the Richter scale.The epicenter has been pinpointed near Khulna, Bangladesh, at a relatively shallow depth. Because of the shallow nature of the quake, the vibrations were felt intensely across the border in West Bengal, particularly in North and South 24 Parganas and the capital city, Kolkata.

Panic in the City

In areas like Park Street, Salt Lake, and New Town, office workers and residents evacuated buildings immediately.”The fans started swaying violently and the windows were rattling. We didn’t wait; we just took the stairs and ran to the street,” said one resident in South Kolkata.Reports from various neighborhoods show hundreds of people gathering in open parks and main roads, wary of potential aftershocks.Damage AssessmentAs of 1:45 PM, there have been no immediate reports of casualties or major structural damage within Kolkata. However, local authorities are currently inspecting older buildings in North Kolkata and the Burrabazar area for cracks or structural compromises.Expert Safety AdviceSeismologists warn that aftershocks are possible following a tremor of this magnitude. Residents are advised to:Remain outdoors if you are already in an open space.Avoid using elevators when re-entering buildings. Check gas lines and electrical connections for any signs of damage before resuming normal activities.