In a span of less than two days, Bangladesh has been shaken by three earthquakes, the latest being a formidable 5.4 magnitude jolt that struck at 1:52 PM on Friday. Centered near Asasuni in Satkhira district, the quake sent waves of panic through communities, especially during Friday prayers.
People in Satkhira felt the earth heave for several seconds, prompting swift evacuations from homes and mosques. ‘It felt like the ground was flipping over,’ recounted worshippers from Bodta Central Jame Mosque. Similar stories emerged from Kulla Beit ul Aman Jame Mosque, where the sudden lurch interrupted solemn prayers.
This event caps a tense 40-hour period. Wednesday’s 5.1 magnitude quake, detected by EMSC at 10:53 PM, affected Dhaka and Sylhet. Thursday brought a 4.6 magnitude shake at 12:04 PM across multiple regions, per local seismic monitors.
The Daily Star quoted terrified locals deeming it the most intense quake in memory. Satkhira officials, including Julfikar Ali and Saeeduzzaman Emu, verified the epicenter and strong shakes but reported no injuries or structural damage.
Eyewitness Alauddin Hussain vividly recalled the chest-thumping impact during prayers. Professor Syed Humayun Akhtar from Dhaka University dismissed sole blame on fault lines, noting a prior quake in the area about a decade ago and various other causes.
Bangladesh’s vulnerability to seismic activity underscores the need for preparedness. With no casualties confirmed, focus shifts to monitoring for aftershocks and reassuring a rattled populace. The string of quakes serves as a stark reminder of the region’s geological risks.