More tremors were felt in Dhaka and Narsingdi on Saturday, a day after the capital was rocked by a strong earthquake. Among these, one occurred on Saturday morning, and two consecutive earthquakes were felt in the evening.
So far, there have been no casualties from the latest tremors.
Yesterday evening, the capital experienced two consecutive earthquakes. According to the Department of Meteorology, the first struck at 6:06:04pm, registering a magnitude of 3.7 on the Richter scale. Just one second later, at 6:06:05pm, the second tremor hit, measuring 4.3 in magnitude. The epicenter of the first quake was in Badda, while the second originated in Narsingdi.
Earlier in the morning, another mild earthquake occurred in Narsingdi. It was felt in Palash Upazila at 10:36:12am, with a magnitude of 3.3 on the Richter scale.
Previously, on Friday at 10:38am, the capital and surrounding areas were shaken by an earthquake measuring 5.5-5.7 on the Richter scale. Many people rushed outside their homes in panic.
The tremor resulted in the deaths of 10 people, including children, and injured over 200. Narsingdi suffered the highest fatalities, with five deaths. Dhaka recorded four deaths, and Narayanganj had one. During the quake, panic led several people to jump from buildings. Some buildings are also tilted or have developed cracks.
Authorities warn of major disaster if caution is ignored
To assess the condition of earthquake-affected buildings, Rajuk Chairman Engineer Md Riazul Islam conducted on-site inspections in Puran Dhaka’s Armanitola, Mugda, and Badda areas, including Alatunnesa School and College. He visited the Armanitola building, where three people were killed after a railing collapsed.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the building owner for failing to submit the building design promptly and for not ensuring safety in the risky structure, the Rajuk chairman ordered that plans be submitted within seven days and instructed the removal of unsafe parts of the building.
Yesterday, he inspected several other quake-damaged buildings in Armanitola, Mugda, and Badda. In Mugda, he examined a building leaning onto a neighboring structure. Considering overall risks, the ground-floor shops of both buildings were ordered closed, and the owners were instructed to submit the buildings’ plans within seven days. He also directed the immediate closure of roadside floating food stalls and hotels that were illegally occupying pavements.
At Alatunnesa School and College in Badda, three buildings were inspected. Cracks in columns prompted orders to submit building plans for two structures, and measures were directed to remove these buildings. Classes were temporarily suspended to ensure safety.
The Rajuk chairman emphasized the seriousness of the situation, saying: “This earthquake was a warning for us. If we do not remain vigilant, a major disaster awaits. Lists of earthquake-damaged buildings are being prepared. Risky structures are being inspected, sealed, or demolished where necessary. Without awareness and action, we will face severe calamity in the near future.”
