Earthquake causes panic in Chattogram

Like other parts of the country, the earthquake was felt in Chattogram. It spread panic, people came out of their homes, and the sound of thunder could be heard in Hindu-dominated areas. It lasted 26 seconds.

According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, the magnitude of the earthquake was 5.7 on the Richter scale at 10:38 am on Friday (November 21). The US Geological Survey (USGS) showed the magnitude as 5.5. The epicenter of the earthquake was Madhavadi in Narsingdi, 10 kilometers below the surface.

The control room of the Chattogram Fire Service reported that there was no news of any accident anywhere in Chattogram. There was also no news of buildings tilting.

Shamim Hasan, Director of the Public Relations Department of the Bangladesh Power Development Board (PDB), said that due to disruption in production due to the earthquake, there was a temporary disruption in the power supply system in various parts of the country. One unit of the Banshkhali power plant was already shut down, and another unit has also shut down after the earthquake.

There has been no major damage from earthquakes in Chattogram in recent times. However, on April 13, 2016, at 7:55 pm, a 6.99 magnitude earthquake toppled 12 buildings in the city. Earlier, on November 21, 1997, a 6.1 magnitude earthquake caused casualties when a five-story building collapsed in the city.

Meanwhile, city planners fear that 267,000 of the 382,000 buildings in Chattogram city will be damaged to some extent in the event of a major earthquake.

According to the Chattogram Development Authority (CWA), there are currently 382,111 buildings in the city. There are 278,05 one-story buildings and 90,444 two- to five-story buildings. There are 13,135 buildings from 6 to 10 floors. There are 527 buildings above 10 floors. There are now 10 buildings in the city with more than 20 floors. Although such tall buildings were constructed, most of them did not comply with the building regulations. Recently, the Chattogram Development Authority sent a list to the Central Civil Aviation Authority (CCAA) to take steps to remove 94 highly risky buildings. An officer on duty at the control room of the Fire Service Chattogram Divisional Office said that the earthquake was felt in Chattogram city and surrounding areas. However, there was no immediate report of damage.