Early Monday morning, a 4.9-magnitude earthquake shook the port city of Chattogram and several nearby districts. People woke up in shock. Even though there were no big injuries or damage reports at the time, the sudden quake made people worry again about how vulnerable Bangladesh is to earthquakes, especially in its eastern and southeastern regions.
What Happened During the Earthquake?
Early in the morning, people felt an earthquake. It only lasted a few seconds, but it was strong enough to make them run out of their homes. Geological surveys show that the epicentre was close to the border between Bangladesh and Myanmar, an area where tectonic plates are known to be moving around a lot. In Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Rangamati, Bandarban, and some parts of Sylhet, there was light to moderate shaking.
Why it’s Important to Know About Cross-Border Seismic Risks
If you’re interested in natural disasters in the area, you might also find it useful to read about related topics like how Bangladesh’s southeastern districts deal with cross-border earthquake threats and long-term seismic preparedness.
Why do earthquakes happen a lot in this part of Bangladesh
Bangladesh is close to one of Asia’s most complicated places where plates meet. Near the eastern edge of the country, the Indian Plate, the Eurasian Plate, and the Burmese Microplate all bump into each other. Because of the way the rocks are arranged, Chattogram and the hill tracts are more likely to have regular small to moderate earthquakes.
An important part of the world’s seismic bands is the Indo-Burma Subduction Zone, which is where many of these tremors are coming from. Smaller quakes like this one don’t do much damage, but they are a good warning that something big could happen.
People in the area react with fear and care
People who were there said they felt a strong jolt that shook windows and furniture. A lot of people ran outside right away because they thought there might be another one.
- Some said it sounded like a “deep rumbling sound.”
- Others said the tremor was strong and short.
- In some places, the power went out for a short time.
For many people in Chattogram, this wasn’t the first earthquake of the year, which is why people are getting more and more scared.
What the government has said so far
Disaster response teams are keeping an eye on things, but no structural damage has been recorded yet. For a short time, emergency hotlines were used to help people. Geological departments are also looking into the possibility of aftershocks, but none have been found yet.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) said that even though this quake wasn’t very strong, people should still take basic safety precautions, especially in older or more heavily populated areas.
Why we need to be better ready
Disaster experts and urban planners have said over and over that building standards need to be raised in areas that are prone to flooding. Many homes in Chattogram and nearby areas still aren’t built to withstand earthquakes, which makes them more dangerous during bigger quakes.
Public awareness events, early warning systems, and stricter building rules are still needed to lower the number of deaths in future earthquakes.
FAQs
1. It was a 4.9 magnitude earthquake, so did the earthquake in Bangladesh cause any significant damage?
There were no major injuries or damage reports, but people in a few areas felt some shaking.
2. Where did you feel the quake the most?
The quake was felt in Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Bandarban, Rangamati, and some parts of Sylhet.
3. What made this quake happen?
It started near the border between the Indian Plate and the Burmese Microplate, which is in an area with a lot of earthquakes.
4. Can people in the area expect aftershocks?
Even though no impacts have been found, experts warn everyone to be careful.
5. What can people do to stay safe during a quake?
Do what they say: “Drop, Cover, and Hold.” Stay away from lifts and windows, and if you’re outside, move to an open area.
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