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Kolkata, February 28, 2026 — A moderate earthquake centered near the India–Bangladesh border sent tremors across Kolkata and its surrounding districts on Friday afternoon, briefly disrupting daily life and sparking widespread alarm.
The seismic event struck at approximately 1:22 p.m. with a magnitude of 5.5 at a shallow depth of about 10 kilometers, according to initial data. The epicenter was located near Satkhira in southwestern Bangladesh, roughly 100 kilometers from Kolkata.
Tremors Felt Across the City
The vibrations were strongly felt in multi-storey buildings, particularly in areas such as Salt Lake and Dalhousie, where residents on upper floors reported swaying ceiling fans and vibrating furniture. Within minutes, thousands of people evacuated offices, schools, and residential complexes, gathering in open spaces as a precaution against possible aftershocks.
Government employees at the state secretariat and assembly house were also seen outside, while authorities urged calm and monitored the situation closely.
No Major Damage Reported
Despite the intensity of the tremors, Kolkata’s infrastructure remained largely intact. Preliminary inspections in older and congested neighborhoods revealed no significant structural damage. As of Saturday morning, officials confirmed that no casualties or major property losses had been reported in West Bengal.
Geological Sensitivity
Experts note that Kolkata’s location on soft alluvial soil amplifies seismic vibrations, making tremors more noticeable even when the epicenter lies outside the city. The incident serves as a reminder of the region’s vulnerability to geological shifts along border fault lines.
Authorities’ Response
Local authorities have assured residents that monitoring will continue, and emergency protocols remain in place should aftershocks occur. The event, though brief, highlighted the importance of preparedness in a region prone to occasional seismic activity.
