Earthquake Activity Near Kolkata, India — Latest Update (27 Feb 2026)

Earthquake Activity Near Kolkata, India — Latest Update (27 Feb 2026)

Kolkata and several parts of West Bengal have experienced noticeable earthquake tremors in recent days, prompting attention from residents and scientists alike. Recent seismic activity across the eastern Himalayan and neighbouring regions has been influencing ground movement in the city.  

Recent Seismic Events

• On 26 February 2026, scientists recorded multiple mild earthquakes in the Himalayan region, particularly near Gyalshing and Mangan in Sikkim, with magnitudes of about 4.6 and 3.5 on the Richter scale. These quakes occurred at relatively shallow depths (approx. 10 km) and were felt across parts of West Bengal — including the Kolkata metropolitan area — and Bangladesh.  

• Additionally, several small tremors (around 2.5 magnitude) were detected near Darjeeling and North Bengal, causing people to feel mild shakes in their homes early in the morning and prompting some residents to step outside briefly.  

📌 Although these events are relatively low in strength, their frequency — around 40 tremors in just four days in some areas of Bengal — has drawn scientific and public attention.  

Earlier Stronger Quake Felt in Kolkata (3 Feb 2026)

Earlier in the month, on 3 February 2026, a stronger earthquake with a magnitude of approximately 5.9 (some reports put it near 6.0) struck near Myanmar, about over 400–500 km east of Kolkata. Strong tremors from that quake were felt across eastern India including Kolkata and even in neighbouring Bangladesh. Residents reported feeling shakes in homes, offices, and high-rise buildings for several seconds, although no major damage or injuries were reported.  

Many social media posts from Kolkata users at that time confirmed that people felt the tremors — some describing the sensation lasting a few seconds.  

While Kolkata lies in a relatively lower seismic zone compared to Himalayan regions, it can still feel vibrations from stronger quakes occurring in nearby regions such as Sikkim, Bhutan, Bangladesh, or Myanmar. Seismic waves travel through the Earth’s crust, and even moderate quakes hundreds of kilometres away can be perceived as shaking in Kolkata.  

The National Centre for Seismology (NCS) continuously monitors seismic events and records both local and distant earthquakes, providing alerts and data for public safety. 

Impact on Kolkata and West Bengal Residents

• No major damage to buildings or infrastructure has been reported from the recent tremors.

• Residents have occasionally reported mild shaking at homes and businesses.

• Local authorities have not issued urgent warnings, but scientists urge people to be aware of seismic risks — especially in multi-story structures.

Safety Tips During Earthquake Tremors

Even if the tremors are mild, it’s useful to remember basic safety steps:

1. Stay calm — most tremors are brief and non-destructive.

2. Drop, Cover, and Hold On under a sturdy table if you feel strong jolts.

3. Move away from windows or heavy furniture that might fall.

4. Stay informed via official seismic updates and warnings.