At least three people were killed and several others injured after a 5.7-magnitude earthquake shook Bangladesh on Friday, according to police. The quake caused damage in multiple areas, including the capital city Dhaka, one of the most densely populated urban centers in the world.
Tremors were felt across eastern parts of neighboring India, though authorities there reported no significant damage.
The United States Geological Survey identified the epicenter in the city of Narsingdi, roughly 40 kilometers (25 miles) east of Dhaka.
Residents in the capital rushed out of homes and offices as buildings swayed, and一些 makeshift structures collapsed, witnesses told Reuters. Police reported that three people died when a railing on a six-storey building gave way during the shaking.
“We felt a strong jolt and buildings were shaking like trees,” said Suman Rahman, a Dhaka resident. “Staircases were jammed as people rushed down. Everyone was terrified, children were crying.”
The fire department confirmed injuries caused by falling bricks and loose cement from buildings still under construction.
“I have never felt such a tremor in my life,” said Sadman Sakib, an employee at a private firm in Dhaka. “We rushed down the stairs and saw dozens of people already gathered outside.”
Muhammad Yunus, the head of Bangladesh’s interim government, urged the public to remain calm while emergency teams continued damage assessments.
“Everyone is urged to remain alert and not pay attention to any kind of rumours or misinformation,” he said. “Further guidance will be provided through hotlines and official channels if necessary. We remain committed to ensuring the safety of all citizens.”
