Dhaka tremor triggers panic, safety questions

A 5.7-magnitude earthquake in Bangladesh resulted in the deaths of at least ten individuals, including two children, with many more injured as people fled buildings in panic. The tremor, felt in Dhaka and other areas, caused casualties primarily from falls, stampedes, and collapsing objects rather than structural failures.

Disaster management experts stated that most injuries occur from panic-driven actions, not the shaking itself. They advised that during an earthquake, individuals should drop to the ground, take cover under sturdy furniture, and hold on. They emphasized avoiding staircases, windows, and lifts. For those outside, moving to open areas away from structures and utility poles is recommended.

The event has raised urgent questions about public readiness for seismic events. Safety officials highlighted that Bangladesh is located in an active seismic zone, and they stressed that routine preparedness drills could prevent such avoidable loss of life.