Ashulia–Baipail tremor aftershock of Narsingdi quake: Earthquake Research Centre

The strongest earthquake in a century was felt in Dhaka. Consecutive tremors across Bangladesh are heightening public panic. Less than 24 hours after Friday’s strong quake, another tremor was felt around the capital. The quake recorded at Ashulia’s Baipail was an aftershock of the Narsingdi–Madhabdi earthquake, according to the Earthquake Observation and Research Centre.

The tremor, measuring 3.3 on the Richter scale, was recorded at 10:36am on Saturday, November 22. Its epicentre was in Palash upazila of Narsingdi.

Rubayet Kabir, acting officer of the Earthquake Research Centre, said, “The tremor felt in Ashulia was an aftershock of yesterday’s earthquake. Aftershocks can usually occur 10–20 kilometres away from the main epicentre. This one originated in the Palash area of Narsingdi.” He added, “Dhaka has not experienced a quake like this in the last 100 years. We are facing the risk of a major earthquake.”

Earlier, at 10:39 am on Friday, November 21, a powerful 5.7 magnitude earthquake was felt. Two children were among the 10 deaths reported in Narsingdi, Dhaka and Narayanganj. Several hundred people were injured. The tremor was also felt in various parts of India. Since the quake, panic has spread across different regions of Bangladesh.

According to the Meteorological Department’s earthquake risk map, Bangladesh is divided into three zones—

Zone-1: Highest risk areas
Located near fault lines. These include— nine districts of Sylhet and Mymensingh divisions; Tangail, Gazipur; parts of Narsingdi, all of Kishoreganj, Brahmanbaria and parts of Khagrachhari and Rangamati.

Zone-2: Moderate risk areas
Parts of the central and south-eastern regions fall in this zone.

Zone-3: Low risk areas
Relatively lower risk; Khulna, Jashore, Barishal, Patuakhali.

Experts say poor building structures, extreme population density and insufficient disaster preparedness have left Dhaka at highest risk.

Aftershocks are normal following a major quake. After the recent tremor, people fear a stronger earthquake may occur. Experts say small to moderate aftershocks may continue for several days. A major quake cannot be completely ruled out. They stress the need for structural inspection, awareness and safety preparedness to reduce risks.