An earthquake of magnitude 5.5 struck near Narsingdi, close to the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka, on Friday, with tremors felt in Kolkata and several parts of Northeast India, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS).
The epicentre was located about 50 km from Dhaka at a shallow depth of 10 km. So far, no reports of damage, casualties, or injuries have emerged. Residents in Dhaka, Kolkata, and surrounding regions experienced noticeable shaking that prompted brief evacuations and raised alertness.
Seismic Active Zone
The region around Bangladesh and Northeast India lies in a seismically active zone due to the tectonic collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates. This quake is part of ongoing moderate seismic activity observed historically in the area.
Governments and disaster management authorities have been proactive in monitoring seismic events, enhancing early warning systems and public preparedness to reduce risks in densely populated cities like Dhaka and Kolkata, which face vulnerability owing to population density and infrastructure concerns.
Official Responses
Officials from Bangladesh’s Meteorological Department and India’s disaster response agencies confirmed the earthquake’s magnitude and epicentre details. They reassured the public about the absence of immediate damages while keeping emergency response teams on standby for any possible aftershocks.
Authorities urged calm and cooperation, emphasising the ongoing importance of awareness campaigns and disaster readiness protocols to mitigate any future impacts. Many residents reported feeling shaking that lasted seconds, leading some to evacuate buildings as precautionary steps.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This earthquake underscores the unpredictable force of nature and the urgent need for widespread disaster risk reduction strategies. Investing in resilient urban planning, robust infrastructure, and community education can reduce vulnerabilities and safeguard lives.
Cooperation between India and Bangladesh in sharing seismic data and disaster response experiences could strengthen regional safety. The Logical Indian stresses that empathy, preparedness, and collective action are vital to facing natural challenges peacefully, fostering a spirit of solidarity across borders.
