At least three killed as magnitude 5.5 earthquake hits Bangladesh

"Several others injured as buildings in the capital swayed in the earthquake, sending panicked residents into streets. A powerful earthquake has struck Bangladesh outside the crowded capital of Dhaka, killing at least three people, according to health officials. The magnitude 5.5 quake struck at 10:38am (04:38 GMT) near the city of Narsingdi, about 33km (16 miles) from Dhaka, the US Geological Survey (USGS) said."

"The Friday morning earthquake terrified residents, with many in the Muslim-majority nation of 170 million people at home on their day off. One Dhaka resident said, I've never felt an earthquake like this before, never in my life, this was the first time. I was sleeping and all of a sudden, I felt the whole building shaking and then we all came down. AFP reporters in Dhaka saw people weeping in the streets, while others appeared shocked. Three people were killed, including a medical student, the health department said."

"The USGS warned of potentially significant casualties and damage. The shaking lasted for 26 seconds, with its epicentre in Narsingdi's Madhabdi district, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, which recorded the magnitude as 5.7. Strong tremors were felt as far as the Indian city of Kolkata, more than 325km from the epicentre. AFP reporters there saw people fleeing offices and homes after the sudden jolt."

A magnitude 5.5–5.7 earthquake struck near Narsingdi at 10:38am local time, with the USGS and Bangladesh Meteorological Department recording similar locations and magnitudes. The quake killed at least three people and injured several others, and caused buildings in Dhaka to sway, sending residents into the streets. Shaking lasted about 26 seconds with its epicentre in Narsingdi's Madhabdi district. Strong tremors were felt as far as Kolkata, over 325km away, prompting evacuations but no immediate reports of casualties in India. Reporters observed people weeping and fleeing; officials warned of potentially significant casualties and damage.

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