Khairul Alam; Dhaka : Panic still lingers in the minds of people after Friday’s strong 5.7 magnitude earthquake. Before the fear of that shock could fade, the country shook three more times on Saturday, from morning to evening. In total, Bangladesh has felt four earthquakes in a span of just 31 hours.
The epicenter of Friday’s quake was in Madhabdi, Narsingdi. On Saturday, the morning tremor started in Polash, Narsingdi, while the two evening tremors originated in Badda (Dhaka) and Narsingdi.
Experts are warning that these frequent tremors in such a short time could be a sign of a major disaster. They describe these four quakes as “foreshocks.” Before a massive earthquake, pressure builds up on tectonic plates, and these small tremors indicate that pressure. Energy is accumulating underground. Experts suggest observing the situation for the next few days and urge immediate preparation.
Centers of the Four Earthquakes: Narsingdi and Dhaka
On Friday at 10:38 AM, a 5.7 magnitude earthquake hit with its epicenter in Madhabdi, 13 km from Dhaka. The focus was 10 km deep, and the shaking lasted 26 seconds. According to the report, at least 10 people died, and over 600 were injured in three districts. Many buildings in Dhaka developed cracks or tilted. The US Geological Survey (USGS) stated that about 70 million people felt the shaking.
On Saturday morning at 10:36 AM, a mild 3.3 magnitude quake hit Polash, Narsingdi. Later that evening, two tremors occurred back-to-back. At 6:06:04 PM, a 3.7 magnitude quake hit Badda, Dhaka. Just one second later, at 6:06:05 PM, a 4.3 magnitude quake occurred in Narsingdi.
Warning of a Big Danger
Professor Mehedi Ahmed Ansary from the Civil Engineering Department of BUET said that before a major earthquake, 30 to 40 small tremors can occur. “If repeated shaking happens in the same place, we must understand that a big danger is ahead. We need to wait and watch for another four to five days,” he said.
He views the repeated quakes near Dhaka as a symptom of a larger event. He noted that before the massive earthquake in Turkey, there were over 100 small tremors. In the last year, Bangladesh has felt over 50 earthquakes. This suggests energy is being stored for a big one.
Dhaka at High Risk
Bangladesh sits at the junction of two tectonic plates, making it risky. Analysts fear that if a 7-magnitude earthquake hits within 100 km of Dhaka, 2 to 3 lakh people could become casualties. Additionally, 35% of Dhaka’s buildings (about 72,000 structures) could collapse.
Professor Syed Humayun Akhter, a former Geology professor at Dhaka University, explained that energy equivalent to an 8.2 magnitude quake is currently stored underground. “It could be released at any time,” he warned.
Official Statement
Md. Mominul Islam, Director of the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), described the recent tremors as “aftershocks.” He said the 72 hours following a big quake are crucial. He advised people not to panic but to stay safe during tremors. He also mentioned that the shaking feels stronger and lasts longer here because the soil structure in this region is relatively weak.
Experts suggest that while a big earthquake cannot be stopped, damage can be reduced. Urgent steps are needed to test building safety, identify risky buildings (Red Buildings), and hold regular safety drills for citizens.