At least three killed as magnitude 5.5 earthquake hits Bangladesh

At least three people have died in Bangladesh as a result of a powerful earthquake that occurred outside Dhaka, the crowded capital, according to health officials.

The US Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the magnitude 5. 5 earthquake struck close to the city of Narsingdi at 10:38 am (04:38 GMT), which is located about 33 kilometers (16 miles) away from Dhaka.

Residents of the Muslim-majority nation of 170 million were frightened by the earthquake’s magnitude on Friday morning when many were staying at home on their day off.

People appeared shocked in the streets of Bangladesh, while others appeared to be weeping, according to AFP reporters in Dhaka.

According to the health department, three people died, including a medical student.

The USGS warned of potential “significant casualties” and damage.

According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, which recorded the magnitude of the shaking at 5.7%, it lasted for 26 seconds and reached its epicenter in Narsingdi’s Madhabdi district.

More than 325 kilometers from the epicentre, Kolkata, India, experienced strong tremors.

After the sudden jolt, AFP reporters there witnessed people fleeing homes and offices.

Sumit Dutta, 66, said, “I felt tremors and my bed moved. I rushed out of my room.”