A powerful earthquake measuring 5.7 on the Richter scale struck central Bangladesh on Friday morning, resulting in at least six confirmed fatalities and injuring dozens more. The tremor, which occurred at approximately 10:38 AM (local time), caused widespread panic across Dhaka and surrounding regions.
According to early assessments, the earthquake’s epicentre was located near Ghorashal in Narsingdi district, approximately 25 km from Dhaka, with the US Geological Survey (USGS) reporting a shallow depth of 10 km, which contributed to the intense shaking felt in the capital.
Initial police confirmations reported three fatalities; however, Dhaka-based DBC Television later stated that six deaths occurred in the capital alone. These included three victims killed by collapsing sections of a building roof and wall, and three pedestrians fatally injured by falling railings.
Numerous injuries were reported as buildings swayed sharply, prompting panic-driven stampedes and accidents. Residents evacuated homes, offices, and multi-storey complexes, gathering in open areas amid concerns of possible aftershocks.
Though northern and southeastern parts of Bangladesh are traditionally more earthquake-prone due to regional tectonic activity involving the India and Eurasia plates, Friday’s quake struck an area not typically known for significant seismic events, according to the USGS.
Authorities are currently assessing the full extent of the damage. Emergency services have been deployed across affected districts, and hospitals in Dhaka are treating the injured. Tremors were also strongly felt across Kolkata, West Bengal, and several northeastern Indian states, though no immediate casualties were reported from India.
Further updates will be provided as additional information becomes available.