India, Feb. 27 -- An earthquake measuring 5.3 on the Richter Scale struck Kolkata at around 1:22 pm on Friday, sparking panic across the city as residents and office-goers rushed out of buildings in fear.

Tremors lasting several seconds were felt in multiple parts of the metropolis, prompting people to rush out of offices, shops and residential buildings and gather in open spaces.

According to theUnited States Geological Survey(USGS), the epicentre was located about 26 km southeast of Taki, a town near the India-Bangladesh border in West Bengal. The quake struck at a shallow depth of 9.8 kilometres.

There were no immediate reports of casualties or major damage, and authorities said they are closely monitoring the situation.

Employees ...