Kolkata, Feb. 27 -- An earthquake of magnitude 5.3 on the Richter Scale struck 188 kilometres from Dhaka on Friday afternoon, as per the US Geological Survey (USGS). Tremors were felt in several parts of Kolkata and adjoining areas of West Bengal, prompting residents to rush out of their homes and office buildings as a precautionary measure.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has reported the quake to be of 5.4 magnitude. The tremor was reported around 1:30 PM IST and was recorded southwest of the BMD Seismic Centre in Dhaka's Agargaon, it said.

The USGS said the earthquake was located at latitude 22.451degN and longitude 89.139degE, at a depth of 9.8 kilometres.

People were seen gathering in open spaces in Kolkata shortly ...