A 5.5 magnitude earthquake struck near Bangladesh’s capital, Dhaka, on Friday, killing at least five people—including one child—and injuring more than 450.
The quake’s epicenter was close to the Narsingdi district, about 30 kilometers from Dhaka, and was described by the country’s environmental adviser as the most powerful felt in the country in five years. The tremors sent panicked residents rushing into the streets as buildings shook and makeshift structures collapsed.
The human cost quickly became clear. In Dhaka’s Armanitola area, three people were killed when a railing and debris fell from a five-story building. A stampede at Dhaka University as students tried to evacuate left at least 10 injured.
“The main task at the moment is to assess casualties and damage,” said Nitai Chandra De Sarkar, a director at the government’s monitoring division. He noted that, fortunately, large-scale rescue operations from rubble did not appear to be necessary.
The quake’s impact was felt widely. Tremors rippled into eastern Indian states, and even disrupted an international cricket test match between Bangladesh and Ireland, which was paused for three minutes as players and spectators took shelter.
For many, it was a terrifying first. “I have never felt such tremor in my 30 years of life,” one Dhaka resident told Reuters. “We rushed down the stairs… and saw other people on the road already.”
By James Kisoo
