The recent earthquake, which struck Bangladesh with a magnitude of 5.5, has led to the unfortunate deaths of at least five individuals, including a child, while leaving more than 450 others injured. The earthquake's epicenter was situated near the Narsingdi district, roughly 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) from Dhaka, the capital city.
Residents experienced intense tremors, prompting many to flee residential buildings amidst fears of structural collapse. Panic ensued at Dhaka University, where at least ten students reportedly suffered injuries during a stampede as they rushed to safety.
The country's environmental adviser, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, expressed concern, stating, We have never experienced an earthquake this powerful in the last five years. Reports indicate that in Dhaka's Armanitola area, three fatalities were directly linked to debris and railings falling from buildings. The injuries have been widespread, notably affecting Gazipur district, where the bulk of the injuries occurred.
Nitai Chandra De Sarkar from the monitoring division noted that the immediate focus of authorities is on assessing casualties and damages, emphasizing that larger rescue operations are not yet necessary. Eyewitness accounts describe chaotic scenes as people fled from buildings on the streets, some feeling the shocks deeply for the first time.
Emergency responses are underway, and while the earthquake's tremors were also felt in bordering regions of eastern India, significant damage has not been reported in those areas. The quake briefly interrupted a cricket match in Bangladesh, where concerned players and spectators gathered on the boundary during the tremors.
As authorities engage in recovery efforts, the community awaits further updates regarding the extent of damages and the full scope of casualties. The need for national support and recovery resources is becoming increasingly evident as Bangladesh faces this unforeseen disaster.
