Cracks have emerged in three residential halls at Comilla University as a result of Saturday's earthquake, impacting Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall, Kazi Nazrul Islam Hall, and Nawab Faizunnesa Chowdhurani Hall.
Additionally, Sheikh Hasina Hall experienced minor cracks in its reading room.
Specific damages include lifted floor tiles in the front corridor of room 504 on the fifth floor south side block of Bangabandhu Hall. Cracks were observed in the corridor, particularly at the junction of the new and old blocks on the same floor. Further, the entire fifth floor, specifically the junction between rooms No. 204 and 205 South, exhibited cracks. Room No. 209 also displayed cracks.
In Nazrul Hall, cracks were visible on the wall of room number 207 on the second floor, at the junction of the pillars in front of the TV room. Additionally, cracks were noted in room number 511, room number 503, and front corridor number 403 on the fourth floor of Faizunnesa Hall.
Emran Hossain, a resident student in room 519 of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall, recounted their experience during the earthquake, adding: "We could not go down during the earthquake. Two tiles side by side in the south block lifted when the shaking stopped."
Ehsan, a resident student in room number 207 of Kazi Nazrul Islam Hall, described the initial confusion during the earthquake and subsequent observation of small cracks on the wall after returning to the room.
Sumaiya Chowdhury Anika, a resident student of Nawab Faizunnesa Chowdhurani Hall, narrated her experience of feeling constant jolts due to heavy trucks from construction work in the vicinity. She observed separation in the ceiling and the joint next to her room while moving from the bathroom to her room.
The provost of Bangabandhu Hall conducted an on-site inspection and expressed intentions to consult the university's engineering department.
Abdul Latif, executive engineer (Civil) of the university, committed to addressing any structural issues promptly after being informed. He emphasized the importance of investigating the matter, consulting with experts, and taking necessary measures if there is a confirmed structural problem due to the earthquake.
A moderate earthquake jolted Dhaka and other parts of Bangladesh on Saturday morning, creating panic among the people who felt light to strong shakes.
The quake, measuring 5.6 magnitude on the Richter Scale, was felt at 9:35am. It lasted for a few seconds, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD).
The epicentre of the earthquake was located in Comilla district. The epicentre was 86km from the BMD Seismic Centre in Agargaon, Dhaka.
However, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the magnitude of the earthquake was 5.5. The quake originated at a depth of 10km with the epicentre about 8km east-northeast of Ramganj in Lakshmipur.