A powerful earthquake struck Bangladesh this morning just outside the densely populated capital, Dhaka, killing at least three people, health officials confirmed.
The 5.5-magnitude quake occurred at 10:38am (0438 GMT) near Narsingdi, approximately 33 kilometres from Dhaka, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). With Friday being a day of rest in the Muslim-majority country of 170 million people, many were at home when the tremors hit.
Witnesses in Dhaka described scenes of panic as people rushed into the streets. AFP reporters observed individuals sobbing and visibly shaken by the incident.
Authorities confirmed that three people, including a medical student, lost their lives. The USGS warned that the earthquake had the potential to cause “significant casualties” and structural damage.
According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, which recorded the quake at a magnitude of 5.7, the shaking lasted for 26 seconds. The epicentre was identified in the Madhabdi district of Narsingdi.
Strong tremors were also felt in Kolkata, India, over 325 kilometres from the epicentre. AFP journalists reported people evacuating homes and workplaces following the sudden jolt.
“I felt tremors and my bed moved… I rushed out of my room,” said 66-year-old resident Sumit Dutta. No immediate reports of casualties or major damage have been received from India.
