Earthquake Rocks Bangladesh, Three Killed Near Dhaka
A powerful earthquake of magnitude 5.5 struck Bangladesh on a recent Friday morning, causing significant alarm and claiming at least three lives. The seismic event, which occurred at 10:38 am local time (04:38 GMT), had its epicenter near the city of Narsingdi, approximately 33 kilometers (16 miles) from the bustling capital, Dhaka.
Fatalities and Seismic Details Emerge
Health officials confirmed the fatalities, which included a medical student, as the nation grappled with the unexpected tremor. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) initially reported the magnitude as 5.5, while the Bangladesh Meteorological Department registered it slightly higher at 5.7, pinpointing the epicenter in Narsingdi’s Madhabdi district. The shaking reportedly lasted for 26 seconds, a duration long enough to trigger widespread panic among residents.
Widespread Panic and Aftermath in Dhaka
The Friday morning quake hit during a day off for many in the Muslim-majority country of 170 million people, finding many at home. Eyewitnesses in Dhaka described scenes of chaos and distress, with AFP reporters observing people weeping openly in the streets, while others appeared visibly shaken and in shock. The USGS had warned of potentially "significant casualties" and damage in the wake of the event.
Tremors Felt Across the Border in India
The tremors were not confined to Bangladesh alone. Strong reverberations were felt as far as Kolkata, India, over 325 kilometers (around 202 miles) from the epicenter. Residents there, including 66-year-old Sumit Dutta, reported beds moving and felt compelled to evacuate offices and homes. Fortunately, no immediate casualties or substantial damage were reported from the Indian side, providing some relief amid the regional seismic activity.