Magnitude 5.0 Earthquake Jolts Kolkata
Kolkata: A moderate earthquake measuring 5.0 on the Richter scale struck Kolkata and its surrounding districts today, Friday, February 27, 2026, at approximately 1:26 PM (13:26 IST). The sudden tremors caused momentary panic among residents, leading many to rush out of high-rise buildings and offices into open spaces.
Key Details of the Seismic Event According to preliminary reports from the National Center for Seismology (NCS), the earthquake occurred at a depth of approximately 10 kilometers. While the vibrations were felt strongly in the heart of Kolkata, residents in neighboring areas like Howrah, Hooghly, and North 24 Parganas also reported feeling the ground shake for several seconds.
Damage and Casualties As of now, there have been no immediate reports of significant structural damage or casualties from any part of the state. Local authorities are currently assessing the situation, especially in older parts of North Kolkata where buildings are more vulnerable to seismic activity.
Kolkata falls under Seismic Zone III, which is classified as a moderate-risk zone. Experts suggest that while the magnitude wasn’t catastrophic, the shallow depth of 10 km is what made the tremors so noticeable on the surface.
Safety Advisory Citizens are advised to remain calm but vigilant. Aftershocks are common following a quake of this magnitude. The state government has urged people to follow official channels for updates and avoid spreading unverified rumors on social media.
