Moderate Earthquake Hits Bangladesh
A 5.7-magnitude earthquake shook Bangladesh on Thursday morning, alarming residents in Dhaka and other cities. Moreover, the tremors reached parts of eastern India, including Kolkata.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) said the quake struck at 10:38 a.m. local time. It originated in Narshingdi district, roughly 50 kilometers northeast of Dhaka. With a depth of 10 kilometers, the earthquake was shallow, which often makes shaking stronger at the surface.
Tremors Felt Across Eastern India
Residents in West Bengal, India, felt the tremors clearly. In Kolkata and nearby districts, people reported buildings swaying. Consequently, several high-rise buildings evacuated temporarily as a precaution. Although the tremors were weaker than in Bangladesh, they caused concern.
Immediate Public Response
The earthquake triggered panic among citizens. Many rushed outdoors from homes, offices, and markets to open spaces. Videos circulating online showed crowds gathering in streets and parks, illustrating the sudden alarm.
Authorities quickly confirmed that no casualties or property damage occurred so far. Meanwhile, emergency services stayed on alert. Officials are inspecting older buildings in Dhaka, which is home to more than 21 million people. Older structures remain more vulnerable to earthquakes.
Bangladesh’s Seismic Context
Bangladesh sits near the boundary of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, making it seismically active. While small tremors occur frequently, major earthquakes are rare; however, other regions, such as western Türkiye, recently experienced a powerful 6.1-magnitude earthquake, highlighting the growing seismic activity across several parts of the world. For example, the 1897 Assam earthquake caused severe destruction across the region.
Experts warn that even moderate earthquakes can pose serious risks in densely populated cities. They emphasize that poorly constructed buildings remain particularly vulnerable. Therefore, authorities encourage residents to follow preparedness measures, conduct evacuation drills, and ensure buildings meet safety standards.
Regional Implications
The quake’s impact in eastern India highlights the shared seismic risks in the Bay of Bengal region. Consequently, seismologists urge Bangladesh and India to maintain early warning systems and coordinate disaster response strategies. Stronger collaboration can reduce risks to residents on both sides of the border.
Safety Recommendations
Officials advise residents to stay calm and inspect buildings for damage. They should avoid re-entering structures until experts declare them safe. Aftershocks can follow for hours or days, so people should remain in open areas and avoid unstable buildings.
Although this 5.7-magnitude earthquake caused no immediate harm, it underscores the region’s vulnerability to seismic hazards. Experts stress that monitoring, community preparedness, and resilient infrastructure are essential to mitigate future risks.
