A magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck Bangladesh on Friday, killing at least five people, including a child, and injuring approximately 100 others, according to government officials. The powerful tremor caused significant damage to buildings across several regions, including the capital, Dhaka.
The earthquake’s epicenter was located near Narsingdi, about 40 kilometers (25 miles) east of Dhaka. Tremors were also felt across the border in several eastern Indian states, though authorities there reported no immediate significant damage.
While the government did not specify the cause of all fatalities, police reported that three people were killed by a collapsing railing from a six-story building. According to Muhammad Yunus, the head of Bangladesh’s interim government, the injured included university students in Dhaka, factory workers in Gazipur, and residents near the epicenter. Health adviser Nurjahan Begum confirmed that several of those hospitalized from Narsingdi are in critical condition.
In Dhaka, the quake sent residents fleeing into the streets as buildings swayed and some makeshift structures collapsed. “We felt a strong jolt and buildings were shaking like trees,” said resident Suman Rahman. “Everyone was terrified, children were crying.” The fire department added that some injuries were caused by falling bricks and cement from buildings under construction.
In a statement, the office of Muhammad Yunus announced that the government is closely monitoring the situation and has ordered all relevant departments to intensify rescue operations in the affected areas.
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