Kolkata Shaken by Significant Earthquake, Residents Flee in Panic
Strong seismic tremors rattled the city of Kolkata on Friday afternoon, triggering widespread panic and sending residents scrambling from their homes and workplaces. The earthquake, which struck at approximately 1:22 pm, was powerful enough to visibly shake ceiling fans and cause water bottles to tremble in both residential and commercial buildings across the metropolitan area.
Widespread Impact and Immediate Reactions
Visual evidence from multiple locations throughout Kolkata captured the chaotic scenes as people hurriedly evacuated buildings, seeking safety in open spaces. The intensity of the tremors prompted immediate concern, with many citizens sharing screenshots of earthquake alert notifications received on their mobile devices through various social media platforms.
The seismic event registered a magnitude of 5.4 on the Richter scale, with its epicenter located just 3 kilometers inside Bangladesh territory, near the sensitive India-Bangladesh border region. This proximity contributed to the significant shaking experienced throughout Kolkata and surrounding areas.
Recent Seismic Activity in the Region
This earthquake follows concerning seismic patterns in neighboring regions. In late February 2026, the state of Sikkim experienced multiple earthquake jolts that raised alarms across the Himalayan state. Most recently, a 3.7 magnitude tremor struck Sikkim early Friday morning at around 4:10 am, creating panic among residents who reported strong shaking sensations.
According to detailed data from the National Centre for Seismology, the Sikkim tremor occurred at a shallow depth of just 5 kilometers, with coordinates placing it near latitude 27.40 N and longitude 88.69 E. The frequency of earthquake tremors has been particularly noticeable in West Sikkim recently, intensifying local concerns about the region's seismic vulnerability.
Technical Details and Safety Concerns
The combination of these seismic events has highlighted the ongoing geological activity in the eastern region of the Indian subcontinent. Seismologists note that shallow earthquakes, like the one recorded in Sikkim, often produce more intense surface shaking despite having lower magnitudes compared to deeper seismic events.
Residents across affected areas have expressed growing anxiety about the frequency of tremors, with many questioning whether current building codes and emergency preparedness measures adequately address the seismic risks in these regions. The visible panic during Friday's Kolkata earthquake underscores the need for enhanced public awareness about earthquake safety protocols.
Emergency services remained on high alert following both seismic events, though no immediate reports of significant structural damage or casualties have been confirmed. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as aftershock possibilities remain a concern for residents in both Kolkata and Sikkim.
