A 5.7 magnitude earthquake struck Bhutan late Sunday night, causing tremors that were felt across various parts of Bangladesh. The seismic activity was detected at 11:36 PM local time, according to the Android Earthquake Alert System. The automated technology provided immediate verification of the earthquake`s magnitude and epicenter, which triggered alerts on mobile devices across the region.The epicenter of the earthquake was located in Bhutan, approximately 139.4 miles away from the Bangladeshi border.
The tremor originated deep within the center of Bhutan, and its impact was also felt in neighboring regions, including Sikkim, Darjeeling, and Siliguri. The seismic intensity caused significant panic among residents of high-rise buildings in various cities of Bangladesh. Many residents immediately evacuated their homes, seeking refuge in open, safe spaces to avoid potential structural damage. Fortunately, no casualties or major injuries have been reported immediately following the event.
The automated alert system has advised citizens to remain vigilant as aftershocks are common following an earthquake of this magnitude. Residents have been urged not to panic and to exercise caution when moving through their homes. Authorities recommended putting on footwear before walking around to prevent injuries from broken glass or debris that may have fallen during the initial tremor.
Furthermore, the advisory included critical safety steps for utilities. Residents were told to check for the smell of gas and to shut off the main gas valve immediately if a leak is suspected. For those without water access, emergency measures such as melting ice were suggested. If any damage to electrical or water lines is observed, citizens are instructed to secure the main valves and wait for professional inspections. Coastal residents were advised to move to higher ground as a precautionary measure against potential tsunami warnings.
Government agencies and disaster management departments are actively monitoring the situation. As of now, there have been no confirmed reports of significant infrastructure damage or major accidents within Bangladesh. Authorities have requested that the public remain calm and refrain from spreading unverified information on social media to prevent further panic.
