A significant earthquake with a magnitude of 5.5 has struck Bangladesh, causing loss of life and widespread concern. The seismic event occurred early Friday, with its epicenter identified by the United States Geological Survey as being around 14 kilometers west-southwest of Narsingdi. The quake’s shallow depth of 10 kilometers contributed to the intensity of the tremors felt.
Local reports confirm that at least six individuals have tragically died as a direct result of the earthquake. The shaking was strongly felt in the capital, Dhaka, prompting many residents to evacuate buildings and gather in open spaces. Images circulating online show visible damage, including at least one building that appears to be tilting.
The impact of the earthquake extended beyond Bangladesh’s borders, with tremors reported in several Indian states, including West Bengal and Assam. Authorities in both countries are now focused on damage assessment and monitoring for any subsequent aftershocks. The full casualty count is still being determined.
Bangladesh’s precarious geological position, situated at the convergence of the Indian, Eurasian, and Burma tectonic plates, makes it inherently prone to seismic activity. Its landscape is crisscrossed by numerous fault lines, placing much of the country, including densely populated urban centers like Dhaka, at high risk of earthquake-related disasters.