DHAKA: A 5.5-magnitude earthquake struck central Bangladesh on Friday, killing at least six people and injuring dozens, according to authorities. The tremor sent buildings swaying across the capital, Dhaka, prompting residents to rush into the streets in panic.
The quake hit at 10:38 a.m., with its epicenter in the Ghorashal area of Narsingdi district, around 25 kilometers (16 miles) from Dhaka. The US Geological Survey reported a depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles).
Local media said three deaths occurred when a roof and wall collapsed in the capital, while three pedestrians were killed by falling railings. The region where the quake struck is generally less seismically active than northern and southeastern Bangladesh, which sit near major tectonic boundaries.
Ashish Bose, a police officer at Bongshal police station, confirmed to Anadolu that three people were killed in the incident.
The local fire department reported seven cases of buildings damaged or affected by the quake in and outside Dhaka, and at least one person was injured.
The tremor, recorded at 10.38 am local time (0438GMT), struck with an epicenter in the Narsingdi district, about 50 kilometers (31 miles) northeast of the capital Dhaka, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department.
The quake lasted only a few seconds. Still, residents in Dhaka rushed out of buildings and homes as the ground shook, seeking safety in the streets.
