Aftershocks Shake Bangladesh as Quake Death Toll Climbs to 10

AFP/APP

Dhaka: Bangladesh experienced two minor aftershocks on Saturday, a day after a powerful earthquake near Dhaka killed at least 10 citizens and left hundreds injured.

According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, a 3.3-magnitude tremor struck Narshingdi district east of the capital in the morning, followed by a 4.3-magnitude jolt that hit Dhaka around 6:00 pm (1200 GMT).

Residents reported renewed fear as homes and furniture shook. “My children started screaming as the furniture began shaking,” said Dhaka resident Tasnuba Sharmin Sharna, 32. “We are praying to God for mercy,” she added.

Friday’s 5.5-magnitude quake caused widespread damage across Dhaka and neighbouring districts. Updating earlier figures, disaster management official Ishtiaqe Ahmed confirmed to AFP that the death toll had risen to 10, with “a few hundred” injured.

While no casualties were reported from Saturday’s aftershocks, citizens remain anxious. “I don’t feel safe yet… maybe we are next,” said Shahnaj Parvin, 44, who lives near Friday’s epicentre. She recalled holding onto a tree as the tremor hit, returning home to find cracked walls and shattered glassware.

Dozens of houses have developed cracks in affected areas. The government has activated Bangladesh’s emergency operation centre to assess damage and coordinate relief and rescue efforts.

Meteorological expert Rubayet Kabir from the Earthquake Observation and Research Center noted that Bangladesh’s location makes the nation of 170 million highly vulnerable to seismic activity.

“We experience earthquakes frequently, though not usually as strong as Friday’s,” he said, adding that small aftershocks are common. He warned that while Bangladesh has not experienced a massive quake in over a century, the country “has been vulnerable for quite some time.”