An earthquake of magnitude 5,5 An earthquake struck central Bangladesh on Friday at 10:38 a.m. local time, with intense tremors felt in Dhaka and nearby towns. According to the latest reports, the quake has caused at least ten dead and has left hundreds of people treated for various injuries.
The epicenter was located in the vicinity of Ghorashal-Madhabdi (Narsingdi district), a short distance from the capital, and originated in 10 kilometers deepWitnesses describe scenes of panic and rapid evacuations of homes, offices, and businesses for about 26 seconds of perceptible jolts.
Where was it and what was its magnitude?
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGSThe earthquake reached a magnitude of 5,5 and was located in the Narsingdi area, northeast of Dhaka. The tremors were also felt in neighboring India, including the city of CalcuttaThere was no significant damage in that country, while Bangladesh experienced the most severe effects. The central region of the country is not the most seismically active, and records indicate 14 earthquakes of similar magnitude since 1950 within a 250-kilometer radius of the affected point; for context, see the strongest earthquakes in history.
Victims and damages reported
The death toll The number rose to ten people, including three minorsAccording to authorities, some of the deaths were caused by falling construction elements in urban areas of Dhaka; in Armanitola, in the old city, the collapse of railings onto the street caused three deaths between customers and passersby.
In addition to the deaths, the following are also being counted more than 300 injured in different districts. In the industrial area of GazipurNorth of the capital, hasty evacuations triggered stampedes in textile factories, with 252 workers treated for injuries of varying severity.
The Fire Department and Civil Defense intervened in buildings with tilts or damage structural repairs and extinguished a fire in BaridharaThe interim government reported at least affected properties at different points, while the technical inspections continued.
Hospitals in Dhaka experienced moments of great tension, with families waiting for news of their loved ones and students served after jumping from heights during the earthquake. Health authorities have reinforced assistance and triage at the main medical centers in the capital.
Official response and preparation
The interim leader of the Executive, Muhammad YunusHe expressed his condolences to the victims and assured that "all necessary measures" are underway. The government has asked public agencies to remain in alert Due to possible aftershocks, the population should follow official channels. International organizations have reported that monitor the evolution of the emergency.
Local experts warn that Bangladesh is not sufficiently prepared for larger earthquakes, a deficit that increases the risk in a megacity like Dhaka, with around 2,1 million buildingsThe combination of urban density, vulnerable buildings, and disorderly evacuations multiplies the potential for damage.
Subsequent tremors and regional context
The day after the main earthquake, another tremor was recorded magnitude 4,3 near Dhaka, felt widely in the area, with no reports of serious damage. The lower energy and the shallow depth They explain that, despite the alarm, its material impact was limited.
Bangladesh is located in a region where tectonic plates meet, primarily the India and EurasiaWhile the north and southeast of the country show more frequent seismic activity, the central area —where this event occurred— registers fewer episodes of this intensity, although it is not without risk.
Basic recommendations if you are caught in an earthquake
Indoors, take cover under a sturdy table, cover your head, and Stay away from windows and objects that could fall. If you are outside, avoid walls, cornices, and facadesAfter the earthquake, turn off the electricity and gas if there is visible damage. Don't use the elevator During an evacuation, always follow the instructions of Civil Protection and local authorities.
The situation in Bangladesh in the last few hours combines a main earthquake of 5,5 with a strong aftershock human impact —ten dead and hundreds injured—, institutional response underway to address the emergency and assess risks, in a country that, according to experts, must strengthen its seismic preparation to mitigate future incidents.