Bangladesh was hit by a powerful earthquake that caused severe tremors throughout the nation and into parts of eastern India, including Kolkata, resulting in at least six fatalities. Residents fled their homes, workplaces, and tall buildings in fear of aftershocks after the early Friday earthquake.
Initial information from seismological organisations indicated that the epicentre was in Bangladesh, and that Dhaka and a number of other cities felt the tremors. People who experienced prolonged shaking were alarmed by the earthquake’s intensity, which was strong enough to shake buildings in Kolkata and nearby West Bengal districts.
In Kolkata, residents reported household items rattling and ceiling fans swaying. Many people evacuated apartments and gathered in open spaces, staircases and streets. Metro and other services were briefly checked for safety, though no major damage was immediately reported from the city.
In Bangladesh, however, the impact was more severe. Local authorities confirmed that at least six people lost their lives, with several others injured in quake-related incidents such as wall collapses, falls while rushing out of buildings, and heart attacks reportedly triggered by the sudden shock. Rescue teams and emergency services were deployed to assess structural damage and assist affected families.
Authorities in both Bangladesh and India are closely monitoring the situation. Engineers have been asked to inspect vulnerable structures, and disaster management teams remain on alert for any aftershocks. Citizens have been advised to stay calm but cautious, avoid using lifts during tremors, and follow basic earthquake safety protocols.
The incident has once again highlighted the seismic vulnerability of the region, which lies close to active tectonic zones. Experts are expected to review the event in detail and reiterate the need for better preparedness, stricter building norms and regular safety drills in densely populated urban centres.
