'Earthquake in Kolkata?': Curious netizens flock to X after tremors

Shaking was reported from multiple parts of West Bengal, including Kolkata, as well as areas in neighbouring Bangladesh.

Published on: Feb 03, 2026 10:39 PM IST

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An earthquake of magnitude 5.9 struck Myanmar on Tuesday, with strong tremors also felt in Kolkata and various parts of Bangladesh. The shaking prompted many startled residents to rush to social media, asking, “Earthquake in Kolkata?” as they tried to confirm what they had just felt.

Social media quickly filled with reactions from anxious users. (REUTERS)

According to EMSC data, the earthquake struck about 70 miles east of Akyab in Myanmar. The German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) said the quake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometres (6.21 miles). Shaking was reported from multiple parts of West Bengal, including Kolkata, as well as areas in neighbouring Bangladesh.

Social media quickly filled with reactions from anxious users. Several posts reflected confusion, with users turning to X to verify whether an earthquake had indeed occurred.

Here are some of the reactions:

Notably, Tuesday’s quake marks the third felt earthquake in Myanmar within the past 71 hours, according to EMSC. It is also the second earthquake felt in Bangladesh in less than 24 hours. Earlier on Tuesday, a magnitude 4.1 earthquake struck the country, the NCS said in a statement.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Bhavya Sukheja
Bhavya Sukheja is a Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times with over 6 years of experience in digital journalism. She specialises in covering stories that reflect everyday human experiences, with a focus on viral videos, social media trends, and human-interest features that inform readers while sparking meaningful conversations. She loves chasing page views and finding stories that tug at readers’ heartstrings. Known for her strong news sense, Bhavya has a keen ability to spot emerging trends and craft angles that transform viral moments into impactful narratives. Her coverage spans pop culture, entertainment, global affairs, and the internet’s most talked-about topics, helping readers better understand the context behind what is trending online. Before joining Hindustan Times, Bhavya worked with Republic World and NDTV, where she developed her skills in real-time reporting and digital storytelling. Working in fast-paced newsrooms helped her build an editorial approach that prioritises accuracy, clarity, and audience engagement. Bhavya is driven by a curiosity about how people communicate and connect in the digital age. She is particularly interested in stories that highlight cultural shifts, shared emotions, and the evolving nature of online conversations. When she is not tracking trends or producing stories, Bhavya enjoys unplugging and spending time with her cat.Read More

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