Magnitude 5.7 Earthquake Jolts Bangladesh Near Dhaka; No Damage Reported
Bangladesh experienced a significant jolt on November 21st when a magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck, causing widespread tremors and prompting residents to evacuate buildings. The German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) reported the seismic event occurred at a relatively shallow depth of 10 kilometers, contributing to the intensity felt on the surface.
Epicenter Near Capital, Tremors Felt Widely
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) identified the earthquake's epicenter near the city of Narsingdi, situated approximately 40 kilometers east of Bangladesh's bustling capital, Dhaka. The proximity to the capital meant that Dhaka residents felt the quake intensely, with many reporting buildings shaking vigorously. Eyewitnesses described a scene of panic as people rushed out of homes and offices onto the streets, some makeshift structures showing signs of collapse.
Eyewitness Accounts of Panic
Mr. Sadman Sakib, an employee at a private firm in Dhaka, recounted his startling experience: "I have never felt such a tremor in my life. We were at the office when furniture started shaking. We rushed down the stairs on the street and saw other people on the road already." Local media outlets corroborated the widespread fear, displaying images of individuals carrying children and assisting the elderly to safety outdoors, highlighting the immediate panic the tremors caused.
No Significant Damage Reported in Bangladesh or India
Beyond Bangladesh's borders, the tremors extended into neighboring India, particularly in its eastern states that share a border with Bangladesh. Despite the widespread shaking and initial alarm, authorities from both countries quickly confirmed that there were no immediate reports of significant damage or casualties. This outcome offers a sense of relief following such a potent seismic event in a densely populated region, underscoring the resilience of structures and emergency preparedness.