Devastating Earthquake Strikes Bangladesh, Leaving Numerous Casualties

A 5.5 magnitude earthquake struck central Bangladesh on Friday, killing at least nine people and injuring over 300 others. The quake hit during the weekly holiday when most of the country's 170 million people were at home, making the casualties particularly severe.

The earthquake occurred near Narsingdi city, about 30 kilometers northeast of the capital Dhaka. Bangladesh's meteorological department recorded the quake at 5.7 magnitude, with the epicenter in Mohabbadi city in Narsingdi district. The tremor lasted 26 seconds.

Government officials confirmed that among the casualties were university students and factory workers. At least 14 buildings suffered damage, and a fire broke out at a power station before being brought under control.

The deadliest single incident happened in the Armanitola area on Dhaka's outskirts, where three people including a child died when an eight-story building's fence collapsed in front of a butcher shop. Witnesses reported seeing stones fall from buildings onto busy roads, followed by trucks carrying injured people to hospitals.

Emergency services responded quickly across the country. The government said it was taking "all necessary measures" and expressed "shock and deep sadness" over the casualties in various regions.

People in Dhaka's streets felt the strong tremor. Journalists reported seeing some residents crying while others appeared shocked. The quake's impact was felt as far as Kolkata in northeastern India, about 300 kilometers from Dhaka.

In Kolkata's Salt Lake City district, home to many local tech companies, offices and residential buildings were quickly evacuated. "I felt continuous shaking. My bed was moving, so I rushed out of my room," said 66-year-old Sumit Dutta. Kolkata authorities have not reported any casualties or damage so far.

The US Geological Survey had warned of the potential for "significant casualties and damage" from this earthquake. Bangladesh sits in a seismically active region, but earthquakes of this magnitude are relatively uncommon, making Friday's event particularly concerning for a densely populated country where many buildings may not be built to withstand such tremors.