A magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck Bangladesh on Friday, the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) said, with the epicentre at a depth of 10 km (6 miles). At least three people were killed and over 50 were injured.
The US Geological Survey said that the earthquake’s epicentre was in the city of Narsingdi, about 40 km (25 miles) east of Dhaka, the capital.
Tremors were reportedly felt in Chandpur, Nilphamari, Sitakunda, Sirajganj, Narayanganj, Patuakhali, Bogura, Barisal, and Moulvibazar.
Authorities said they were also felt in India in the West Bengal and Mizoram states. So far, there are no reports of any injuries or casualties in India. Residents in Kolkata and neighbouring regions took to social media to share visuals of people stepping out of their homes and offices when the tremors hit the area.
The Dhaka Tribune reported that the railing of a five-story building suddenly fell during the tremor, killing three pedestrians on the spot. The victims were walking along the road at the time.
Fire service and police personnel arrived at the scene immediately after the incident.
Two of the victims died on the spot, while another succumbed after being taken to Mitford Hospital.
“Strongest Ever”
Prothom Alo, a Bangladeshi newspaper, said that the severe tremor caused by the earthquake in Bangladesh was the “strongest ever experienced,” according to earthquake expert Professor Humayun Akhtar.
Residents rushed out of their homes in Dhaka as buildings shook and some makeshift structures collapsed, Reuters witnesses said.
“I have never felt such a tremor in my life. We were at the office when the furniture started shaking. We rushed down the stairs on the street and saw other people on the road already,” said Sadman Sakib, who works in a private firm in Dhaka.
Local media showed pictures of people carrying their children and helping senior citizens out of their homes as the tremors caused panic.
(with inputs from Reuters)
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