Earthquake casualties mostly caused by panic: Health Adviser

Most of the injuries and deaths in the earthquake occurred due to panic, said interim government health adviser Nurjahan Begum. She made the remarks on Friday afternoon while visiting the injured at Dhaka Medical College Hospital and speaking to journalists.

Nurjahan Begum said, ‘Many, including students of Dhaka University, were injured after jumping from buildings or in the rush caused by panic. Two students injured in the earthquake have been admitted to Dhaka Medical, one of them is in critical condition and the other is stable. Two injured people from Narsingdi have also been brought here, among them one child has died. The child’s father is receiving treatment in the ICU. Besides, three deaths were reported at Mitford Hospital, including a student of that hospital. Similar panic-induced injuries have been reported from different parts of the country.’

She further said, ‘In a 5.2 earthquake, it is not normal to have so many injuries, but the numbers have increased due to panic. Several students of Dhaka University were seriously injured after jumping in fear. We are all working to ensure the highest level of treatment.’

Although the health adviser mentioned the earthquake’s magnitude as 5.2, the Meteorological Department said it measured 5.7 on the Richter scale.

In response to a question about medical services, the adviser said, ‘All government hospitals have been instructed to ensure there is no lapse in treatment.’