Where Did the Quake Strike?
The earthquake struck at 10:38 a.m., with its epicentre located in Ghorashal in Narsingdi district, around 25 kilometres from Dhaka. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported the quake at a shallow depth of 10 kilometres, making its impact stronger on the surface.
Fatalities From Collapsing Structures
Local media reported that the deaths were mainly caused by collapsing roofs, walls, and building parts.
DBC Television said two children were among the victims.In Dhaka’s old city area of Armanitola, three people were killed after building railings fell on them while they were shopping. They were later declared dead at a hospital, Prothom Alo reported.Residents described scenes of panic. Mohammad Arif, a Dhaka resident, said he heard a loud crash and then saw bricks scattered on the ground and injured people nearby.
Major Panic in Garment Hubs
One of the worst-affected areas was Gazipur, just outside Dhaka and home to hundreds of garment factories.
According to Prothom Alo: 252 people, mostly garment workers, were injured.
The injuries were largely due to stampedes as thousands rushed out of factories in fear.
Television reports showed distressed families waiting anxiously at hospitals, including the state-run Dhaka Medical College Hospital.
Buildings Tilt, Fire Reported
The Fire Service and Civil Defence Department said teams were sent to several locations after reports of tilting buildings.
Firefighters also responded to a fire incident in the Baridhara neighbourhood, though its connection to the quake remains unclear.
At Dhaka University, some students reportedly jumped from upper floors of their dormitories in panic when the tremors began.
How Common Are Earthquakes in This Region?
Although northern and southeastern Bangladesh lie in active seismic zones due to the collision of the India and Eurasia plates, central Bangladesh experiences fewer quakes.
The USGS noted that since 1950, only 14 earthquakes of magnitude 5.5 or higher, including two magnitude-6 events, have occurred within a 250-kilometre radius of Friday’s quake.
Experts Warn of Bigger Risks
Seismologists have repeatedly warned that Bangladesh’s infrastructure is not prepared for a major quake.
Dhaka alone has around 2.1 million buildings, many of which are old or poorly constructed, making the city particularly vulnerable to a high-intensity earthquake.