Post by : Raina
Al-Fahim
In Bangladesh, the aftermath of a significant earthquake that hit near Dhaka on Friday continues to unfold, with officials reporting an uptick in the death toll to 10. Hundreds have sustained injuries, and numerous residences are showing visible damage. The strong 5.5-magnitude quake sent shockwaves through the capital and nearby areas, leaving denizens in a state of fear.
Less than 24 hours after the tremor, another seismic event was recorded on Saturday morning at 10:36 am. The national meteorological office reported the secondary quake as registering 3.3 on the Richter scale, originating from Ashulia, just north of the capital. Experts note that while aftershocks are a normal occurrence post major quakes, the frequency has heightened anxiety amongst residents.
Local inhabitants in the Ashulia area expressed their unease following the second quake. One resident shared that she had never felt such a violent shake before. She recounted the emergence of cracks in several houses nearby and indicated that many families remained hesitant to return indoors. Glassware in her home shattered during the quake, adding to her fear.
In response to the initial quake, the government has mobilized the national emergency operation centre, which is now assessing damage and overseeing rescue efforts. City officials are thoroughly inspecting affected buildings and closely monitoring developments.
Experts from the Earthquake Observation and Research Centre highlighted that Bangladesh's geographic positioning makes it susceptible to seismic activity. While minor tremors occur regularly, a quake of this magnitude hasn't been experienced in over a century. They anticipate more aftershocks but clarify that these typically result in minimal destruction.
Given the high population density in urban areas, officials are advising citizens to remain vigilant and adhere to safety protocols. Search and rescue teams are actively surveying affected locations while engineers assess the safety of structurally compromised buildings.
As aftershocks continue, the populace faces ongoing unease; however, officials are reassuring the public that monitoring systems are operational and relief measures are being implemented to aid those impacted.
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