5.4 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Kolkata, Panic Reported

Strong tremors were felt across Kolkata on Friday afternoon, prompting residents to rush out of homes and offices as a precaution.

According to initial estimates, the earthquake measured 5.4 on the Richter scale. The tremor struck around 1:22 pm, with its epicentre located about 3 km inside Bangladesh, near the India-Bangladesh border.

Panic Across the City

Residents reported that ceiling fans, furniture, and water bottles shook inside buildings. Videos shared on social media showed people gathering on streets and open spaces shortly after the tremors were felt.

Many individuals also posted screenshots of earthquake alerts received on their mobile phones.

While no immediate reports of major damage or casualties were confirmed at the time of writing, the sudden shaking triggered panic in several neighbourhoods.

Tremors Felt Beyond Kolkata

In addition to Kolkata, parts of eastern India experienced seismic activity in recent days.

In Sikkim, multiple tremors were recorded in late February 2026. The latest jolt, measuring 3.7 on the Richter scale, struck early Friday morning at around 4:10 am.

According to the National Centre for Seismology, the Sikkim tremor occurred at a shallow depth of 5 km. Residents in various areas reported noticeable shaking.

Recent repeated tremors in parts of West Sikkim have raised concerns among locals about ongoing seismic activity in the region.

Seismic Sensitivity in the Region

Eastern and northeastern parts of India fall under seismically active zones, making them prone to earthquakes of varying intensity. Experts generally advise residents to follow safety protocols during tremors, including moving to open spaces and avoiding elevators.

Authorities are expected to monitor the situation closely. Further updates may follow as more information becomes available.