Rabat – A 5.7 magnitude earthquake hit Bangladesh today, killing at least six people, authorities and local media confirmed.
The powerful earthquake hit at 10:38 a.m. local time with the epicenter in the Ghorashal area in Narsingdi in central Bangladesh. The area is 25 kilometers away from Dhaka.
Preliminary depth is estimated at 10 kilometers, according to the US Geological Survey.
The earthquake casualties include at least 100 people.
The death toll includes three victims from the collapse of a building’s roof and a wall. The other three were pedestrians walking by the building that fell on them.
Disaster Management and Relief Adviser Faruk-e-Azam, called Bangladeshi authorities to assess the damage caused by the quake.
“After assessing the damage caused by the earthquake, necessary measures will be taken, giving public safety the highest priority,” the Bangladesh government said.
The country’s chief adviser, Professor Muhammad Yunus, said the government is also closely monitoring the situation, instructing all offices concerned to move to the field level.
“The government is aware of the public concern and anxiety following the earthquake tremors felt in different parts of the country,” Yunus explained.
He pledged necessary measures, urging the country’s people not to pay attention to rumors or misinformation.