Earthquake Rattles Dhaka and Kolkata with Magnitude 5.4 Tremor

A magnitude 5.4 earthquake struck near Dhaka, Bangladesh, on February 27, 2026, sending tremors across the region, including Kolkata, India. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the quake occurred approximately 188 kilometers southwest of Dhaka around 13:30 IST. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) confirmed the earthquake’s magnitude as 5.4, while the USGS recorded it at 5.3.

Residents in Kolkata reported feeling significant shaking, prompting many to evacuate buildings and seek safety outdoors. Reports indicate that the epicenter of the earthquake was located at a depth of 9.8 kilometers, at coordinates 22.451°N latitude and 89.139°E longitude. People flocked to open spaces in various districts of West Bengal shortly after the tremors were felt.

Residents Describe the Experience

Local resident Swagata recounted the moment the earthquake struck. “We were sitting on our sofa when we suddenly felt the tremors. The sofa and fan were shaking, and a bottle on the table fell down. We rushed outside to open spaces,” she said. Such reactions were common, as many individuals left their homes and workplaces to ensure their safety during the tremors.

Shallow earthquakes, like this one, often pose a greater risk than deeper seismic events. This is due to the shorter distance seismic waves must travel to reach the surface, resulting in increased ground shaking and potential structural damage. The USGS categorizes earthquakes into three depth zones: shallow (0-70 km), intermediate (70-300 km), and deep (300-700 km).

Seismic Activity in the Region

Earlier on the same day, another earthquake measuring 2.7 on the Richter scale was recorded in Namchi, Sikkim. According to the National Center for Seismology (NCS), this quake occurred at 12:02 IST at a depth of 5 kilometers, with coordinates of 27.36°N latitude and 88.37°E longitude.

Earthquakes are a common occurrence in this region due to its geological characteristics. The frequency and magnitude of these events highlight the importance of preparedness and awareness among residents. As the communities recover from the recent quake, local authorities will likely assess any damage and provide necessary support to affected individuals.

As the situation develops, officials from both Bangladesh and India are closely monitoring seismic activity and will provide updates to ensure public safety.