A powerful earthquake struck Bangladesh on Friday morning, killing at least three people and sending terrified residents running into the streets of the capital, Dhaka, officials said.
The magnitude 5.5 quake hit at 10:38am local time (04:38 GMT) near Narsingdi, about 33km from Dhaka, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). The Bangladesh Meteorological Department reported a slightly higher magnitude of 5.7 and said the shaking lasted for approximately 26 seconds. Its epicentre was located in the Madhabdi area of Narsingdi district.
Health authorities confirmed three fatalities, including a medical student. Dhaka-based DBC Television reported a higher toll of at least six deaths in the capital, saying three people were killed by collapsing rooftops and walls, and three others died after building railings fell on them.
The quake struck on a weekend morning when many of the country’s 170 million residents were at home. In Dhaka, witnesses described one of the most intense tremors they had ever experienced.
“I’ve never felt an earthquake like this before,” said one resident. “I was sleeping when the whole building suddenly started shaking. We rushed downstairs.”
AFP reporters described scenes of panic in the capital, with people crying, running into the streets, and gathering in open areas. Videos circulating on social media also showed buildings swaying during the quake.
The USGS warned of the possibility of “significant casualties” and structural damage due to the quake’s proximity to densely populated areas.
Tremors were felt across parts of eastern India, including Kolkatamore than 325km from the epicenter where office workers and residents fled buildings in alarm. “I felt tremors and my bed moved … I rushed out of my room,” said 66-year-old Sumit Dutta.
