A strong earthquake shook Bangladesh on Friday morning, killing at least five people and injuring about 100 others.
The 5.5-magnitude tremor struck near Narsingdi, a town just outside the capital city of Dhaka. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the quake happened around 10:38 a.m. local time.
Panic spread quickly as buildings shook, forcing thousands of residents to run into the streets for safety. In parts of Dhaka, roofs and walls collapsed, causing most of the injuries. DBC Television reported that falling bricks and railings were responsible for the deaths.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department stated that the shaking lasted for more than 20 seconds.
“It was terrifying,” said one resident. “The whole building felt like it was moving.”
Emergency teams are currently working to help those trapped under the rubble. Hospitals in Dhaka have reported receiving dozens of injured people.
The tremors were powerful enough to be felt in neighboring India. Reports from Kolkata indicate that residents there also felt the ground shake, although no major damage has been reported in that region.
Authorities have warned people to stay alert for aftershocks.
