Overview On 27 February 2026 , a earthquake of magnitude 5.5 on the Richter Scale struck parts of Bangladesh . The tremor was felt across Kolkata and surrounding districts of West Bengal, causing temporary panic among residents and government employees. Key Developments Seismic event recorded at 1:22 p.m. by the IMD . Epicentre identified at Nayabazar, Bangladesh , approximately 100 km from Kolkata. Depth of focus measured at 10 km below the Earth’s surface. No immediate reports of casualties or property damage. Tremors lasted about 10 seconds , after which people evacuated buildings and gathered in open streets. Initial reports indicated no aftershocks were felt immediately. Important Facts The quake’s shallow depth ( 10 km ) contributed to the perceptibility of the tremor in Kolkata despite the epicentre being across the international border. Government offices such as the state secretariat Nabanna , the assembly house, and the Chief Electoral Officer’s office experienced temporary evacuations. Similar reactions were observed in the IT hub of Salt Lake and multi‑storey residential complexes. UPSC Relevance Understanding seismic hazards is essential for GS‑3 (Environment & Ecology) and for disaster management components of GS‑2 (Polity) and GS‑4 (Ethics). Aspirants should note: The role of the IMD in early warning and data dissemination. Cross‑border seismic zones highlight the need for regional cooperation in disaster mitigation. Urban planning implications for high‑density cities like Kolkata, where building codes and emergency response protocols are critical. Way Forward To enhance resilience, the following measures are recommended: Strengthen building codes for residential and commercial structures in seismic zones. Promote public awareness campaigns on earthquake safety, including “Drop, Cover, Hold‑on” drills. Facilitate bilateral data sharing between India and Bangladesh for real‑time seismic monitoring. Integrate earthquake response into the National Disaster Management Plan, ensuring rapid mobilization of resources. These steps will not only mitigate immediate risks but also align with India’s broader commitment to disaster risk reduction under international frameworks such as the Sendai Framework.