Post by : Rameen Ariff

Bangladesh is grappling with the aftermath of a severe earthquake that shook areas near Dhaka on Friday, with officials reporting a rising death toll that now stands at 10. The quake, registering 5.5 on the Richter scale, injured hundreds and caused numerous homes to suffer structural issues, creating widespread panic among the populace.

Just a day following the main earthquake, another tremor was recorded on Saturday morning at 10:36 am. The country’s meteorological agency stated that this latest jolt measured 3.3 on the scale, its epicenter located in Ashulia, near Dhaka. Though experts indicate that aftershocks are typical, the continuous tremors have exacerbated fears among residents.

Local residents living close to Ashulia voiced their trepidation concerning the recent tremor. One individual stated they had never encountered such a strong quake in their lifetime, noting visible cracks in various homes and the reluctance of families to stay indoors. Broken glassware in her house illustrated the quake's violent impact.

In response to Friday’s seismic event, the government mobilized the national emergency operation center to evaluate damage and manage rescue and relief efforts. Officials are actively inspecting affected structures and closely monitoring developments.

Experts from the Earthquake Observation and Research Centre highlighted Bangladesh's vulnerability to earthquakes due to its geographical nature. They remarked that although minor tremors are frequent, a quake of this magnitude had not occurred for over a century, and smaller aftershocks are likely to follow without significant damage.

With millions residing in crowded areas, authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and adhere to safety protocols. Rescue teams are methodically checking impacted regions while engineers evaluate the integrity of damaged buildings.

As the aftershocks continue, many residents remain concerned, yet officials reassure that monitoring systems are operational and relief efforts are being coordinated efficiently to assist those affected.

#Asia News #Global