A strong earthquake struck near Dhaka on Friday, killing at least three people and causing panic across the capital region. The USGS recorded the quake at magnitude 5.5 while Bangladesh's Meteorological Department measured it at 5.7, with the epicentre in Madhabdi, Narsingdi. Shaking lasted roughly 26 seconds and was felt as far away as Kolkata; local reports of higher deaths are being verified as emergency teams continue inspections.
Magnitude 5.5 Earthquake Near Dhaka Kills at Least Three — Tremors Felt as Far as Kolkata
A strong earthquake struck near Dhaka on Friday, killing at least three people and causing panic across the capital region. The USGS recorded the quake at magnitude 5.5 while Bangladesh's Meteorological Department measured it at 5.7, with the epicentre in Madhabdi, Narsingdi. Shaking lasted roughly 26 seconds and was felt as far away as Kolkata; local reports of higher deaths are being verified as emergency teams continue inspections.
05:30 PM, 11/21/2025Environment
A powerful earthquake struck near Bangladesh's capital on Friday morning, killing at least three people and sending residents rushing into the streets. Officials reported the tremor hit at 10:38 a.m. local time (04:38 GMT) near Narsingdi, roughly 33 km (about 16 miles) from Dhaka.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) recorded the quake at magnitude 5.5, while Bangladesh's Meteorological Department measured it at magnitude 5.7 and said the shaking lasted about 26 seconds. The epicentre was identified in the Madhabdi district of Narsingdi.
Health officials confirmed three fatalities, including a medical student. Local television reports put the death toll in parts of the capital as high as six, citing building collapses and falling railings; those figures are still being verified by authorities. Emergency services continue to assess damage and attend to the injured.
Residents described a frightening experience as buildings swayed and objects fell. "I’ve never felt an earthquake like this before," one Dhaka resident said. "I was sleeping and all of a sudden the whole building started shaking and we all rushed out."
Shaking was felt across a wide area. Strong tremors reached Kolkata in India, more than 325 km from the epicentre, where people fled offices and homes; there were no immediate reports of serious damage or casualties across the border.
Authorities have warned of possible additional casualties and building damage as inspections continue. Officials urged residents to stay clear of unstable structures, follow local emergency instructions, and report any new damage to response teams.
Key facts: Magnitude: USGS 5.5 / Bangladesh Meteorological Department 5.7. Time: 10:38 a.m. local (04:38 GMT). Epicentre: Madhabdi, Narsingdi. Shaking duration: ~26 seconds. Confirmed deaths: at least three.