News Flash Daily
27 February
Panic grips the city as a mid-day tremor forces residents out of buildings; no casualties reported so far
Kolkata: A moderate-intensity earthquake measuring 5.4 on the Richter scale struck the region this afternoon, sending tremors across Kolkata and several parts of West Bengal, triggering panic among residents and office-goers. The tremor was felt at approximately 1:22 pm, prompting people to rush out of buildings as the ground briefly shook.
Epicentre Traced to Bangladesh, Says EMSC
According to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC), the epicentre was located near Agargaon in Dhaka, Bangladesh, at a depth of 35 kilometres. Though the seismic activity originated outside India, the vibrations were distinctly felt in multiple districts of West Bengal, including the state capital.
People Rush Outdoors as Buildings Shake
As the tremors were felt, residents evacuated residential complexes, offices, and public buildings in fear. Several witnesses reported momentary chaos as people gathered in open spaces, unsure of the intensity or duration of the quake. However, the shaking subsided within seconds, preventing any immediate large-scale damage.
Union Minister Feels Tremor Mid-Speech
During the quake, Sukanta Majumdar, Union Minister and West Bengal BJP President, was addressing a public gathering in Kolkata. The tremor briefly interrupted the event as the minister paused and sought clarity from the audience before continuing.
“What happened? What happened?”, Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar, reacting moments after the tremor was felt at the venue.
No Casualties Reported, Situation Under Watch
Authorities confirmed that no immediate reports of casualties or major property damage have surfaced so far. Disaster management teams and local administrations remain on alert, monitoring aftershock possibilities and gathering ground-level feedback from affected areas.
