Bangladesh Earthquake 2025: Death Toll Rises to 10 as Aftershocks Continue
Bangladesh Earthquake 2025: Death Toll Rises to 10 as Aftershocks Continue
A powerful 5.5-magnitude earthquake struck central Bangladesh on Friday, November 21, 2025, leaving a trail of destruction near the capital city of Dhaka. The disaster has claimed at least 10 lives and injured over 450 people, with rescue operations continuing as aftershocks rattle the densely populated region. This seismic event marks one of the most significant earthquakes to hit Bangladesh in recent history, raising serious concerns about the country's preparedness for natural disasters.
Devastating Impact Near Bangladesh's Capital
The epicenter of the earthquake was located approximately 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) from Dhaka in the Narsingdi district, an area home to millions of residents. The tremor struck at 10:38 AM local time (BST), catching people off guard during their daily activities. Buildings across the capital and neighboring districts shook violently, causing widespread panic as residents rushed into the streets for safety.
According to disaster management official Ishtiaqe Ahmed, the death toll climbed to 10 by Saturday, with several victims still in critical condition. Among the casualties were at least one child, highlighting the tragedy's impact on vulnerable populations. The injured include university students from Dhaka University, factory workers from Gazipur, and residents from Narsingdi.
Casualties and Structural Damage Reported
The earthquake caused significant structural damage throughout the affected regions. At least three people were killed when the railing and debris from a five-story building collapsed in Dhaka's Armanitola area. Deputy police commissioner Mallik Ahsan Uddin Sami confirmed these fatalities while coordinating emergency response efforts.
Nitai Chandra De Sarkar, director of the disaster management department's monitoring division, reported that 461 people sustained injuries across Bangladesh, with the Gazipur district north of Dhaka recording 252 injured individuals—the highest count among affected areas. Many injuries occurred when panicked crowds stampeded down staircases, and when construction materials fell from buildings under development.
Eyewitness Accounts from the Ground
Residents who experienced the earthquake firsthand described scenes of terror and confusion. Suman Rahman, a Dhaka resident, recounted: "We felt a strong jolt and buildings were shaking like trees. Staircases were jammed as people rushed down. Everyone was terrified, children were crying."
Another witness, Sadman Sakib, shared his experience: "I have never felt such a tremor in my 30 years of life. We were at the office when furniture started shaking. We rushed down the stairs to the street and saw other people already on the road."
Aftershocks Compound Fear and Anxiety
Adding to the population's distress, Bangladesh experienced aftershocks on Saturday, November 22, further unsettling already traumatized communities. Omar Faruq from the Bangladesh Meteorological Department confirmed that a magnitude 3.3 tremor was recorded at 10:36 AM, with its epicenter in Ashulia, just north of the capital.
Local resident Shahnaj Parvin expressed her ongoing fears: "I don't feel safe yet, as there was another jolt this morning in Ashulia. Maybe we are next." She reported that cracks have developed in dozens of houses in her neighborhood, rendering many homes unsafe for habitation.
Government Response and Emergency Operations
Bangladesh's interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, quickly mobilized emergency response teams following the disaster. The government activated the country's Emergency Operation Centre to assess damage and coordinate relief and rescue operations across affected districts.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, the country's environmental adviser, emphasized the unprecedented nature of the event: "We have never experienced an earthquake this powerful in the last five years." Health adviser Nurjahan Begum confirmed that several patients taken to hospitals from Narsingdi remain in critical condition, requiring intensive medical care.
Regional Impact Beyond Bangladesh
The earthquake's effects extended beyond Bangladesh's borders. Tremors were felt in eastern Indian states bordering Bangladesh, though no major damage was reported in neighboring regions. The seismic event even briefly interrupted the second cricket test match between Ireland and Bangladesh, with players and spectators taking shelter for approximately three minutes before play resumed.
Bangladesh's Vulnerability to Seismic Activity
Rubayet Kabir from the Meteorological Department's Earthquake Observation and Research Centre explained that Bangladesh's geographical location makes the country of 170 million people particularly vulnerable to earthquakes. "Some small tremors are expected after any major earthquake," Kabir stated. "There has been no massive earthquake in the last 100 years or more, but Bangladesh has been vulnerable for quite some time."
This vulnerability stems from Bangladesh's proximity to major tectonic plate boundaries. The country lies near the collision zone between the Indian and Eurasian plates, making it susceptible to seismic events originating from deeper geological processes.
Looking Ahead: Preparedness and Recovery
As Bangladesh continues its recovery efforts, questions arise about the nation's disaster preparedness infrastructure. With one of the world's highest population densities and extensive low-lying areas, the country faces unique challenges in implementing comprehensive earthquake safety measures.
Authorities are currently focusing on immediate relief efforts, including providing medical care to the injured, assessing structural damage to buildings, and offering temporary shelter to those whose homes have become unsafe. Long-term considerations include evaluating building codes, improving early warning systems, and educating the public about earthquake safety protocols.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What was the magnitude of the Bangladesh earthquake in 2025?
The earthquake that struck Bangladesh on November 21, 2025, had a magnitude of 5.5 on the Richter scale, with its epicenter located near Narsingdi district, approximately 30 kilometers from Dhaka.
How many people were killed in the Bangladesh earthquake?
At least 10 people lost their lives in the earthquake, with over 450 others sustaining injuries. The death toll includes casualties from building collapses and falling debris across multiple districts.
Were there aftershocks after the main earthquake?
Yes, Bangladesh experienced aftershocks on November 22, 2025. A magnitude 3.3 tremor was recorded with its epicenter in Ashulia, north of Dhaka, causing additional anxiety among residents.
Is Bangladesh at risk for future earthquakes?
According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, the country remains vulnerable to seismic activity due to its geographical location near tectonic plate boundaries. Experts note that while no massive earthquake has occurred in over 100 years, the risk persists.
What areas were most affected by the earthquake?
The most severely affected areas include Narsingdi district (the epicenter), Dhaka city, and Gazipur district. These densely populated regions experienced building damage, casualties, and significant infrastructure disruption.
Conclusion
The November 2025 Bangladesh earthquake serves as a sobering reminder of the nation's vulnerability to natural disasters. With 10 lives lost and hundreds injured, the tragedy underscores the critical need for improved disaster preparedness, stricter building codes, and comprehensive public education about earthquake safety. As recovery efforts continue and the nation processes this traumatic event, the focus must shift toward building resilience against future seismic threats that could impact Bangladesh's 170 million residents.
