Magnitude 5.5-5.7 Quake in Bangladesh: Deaths, Injuries and Tremors Across West Bengal

A sudden and forceful jolt rocked central Bangladesh on the morning of 21 November 2025, leaving a chilling mark across the region. At 10:38 a.m. local time, a magnitude 5.5 earthquake registered near the town of Ghorashal in the Narsingdi District — approximately 25 kilometres east of the capital city, Dhaka. Authorities reported a shallow quake depth of around 10 kilometres, heightening the intensity of surface shaking and amplifying its impact. AP News+2@mathrubhumi+2

The Impact in Bangladesh

In the capital zone and nearby districts, the seismic ripple caused buildings to sway, structural elements to collapse and residents to scatter into the open. Official tallies indicate at least six people lost their lives, while “dozens” more were injured — though the full extent of damage remains under assessment. AP News+2@mathrubhumi+2

Detailed reports on casualties include: three individuals killed when a building’s roof and wall gave way in Dhaka; three pedestrians fatally struck by falling railings as they attempted to evacuate. AP News
In addition, bricks, loose cement and construction materials at many sites came crashing down, causing injuries to workers and passers-by alike. Reuters+1

Given the shallow depth, geological experts warn that the energy from the quake had less ground to dissipate before reaching the surface — meaning impact is stronger and damage potential higher. @mathrubhumi+1

Inside Dhaka, the atmosphere turned chaotic: office towers and residential blocks trembled, stairwells jammed, people poured into streets, and emergency services were immediately placed on alert. The urban density adds to vulnerability — in one of the most densely populated capitals in this region, even moderate seismic events pose formidable risks.

Tremors Across Into West Bengal

The shake did not stop at Bangladesh’s borders. In the eastern Indian state of West Bengal, including the city of Kolkata, residents reported clear, unsettling tremors. Around 10:40 a.m., fans swung, walls creaked, office furniture shifted and many occupants evacuated buildings in panic. Gulf News+2India Today+2

While no major damage or confirmed casualties have yet been reported in West Bengal, the psychological impact and precautionary reaction were significant. Authorities recommended avoiding elevators, staying out of buildings under inspection and remaining alert for possible aftershocks. The quake also triggered an immediate review of safety protocols in high-rise commercial zones. www.ndtv.com

Why This Quake Draws Attention

Though Bangladesh lies in a tectonically active region, the epicentre of this event falls in a zone that sees fewer large quakes compared with the northern hill tracts or the southwestern fault systems. That makes this event noteworthy. Experts emphasise that rapid urbanisation, dense construction and variable building standards increase the stakes for even moderate tremors. AP News+1

Buildings in Dhaka and its environs often comprise older structures or have undergone piecemeal modification — factors that can aggravate damage when the ground shakes. The prompt impact on everyday life — from disrupted offices to chaotic street scenes — underscores how fragile the situation becomes in moments.

What Happens Next

Rescue and relief efforts are underway. On the ground, first responders are conducting structural assessments of affected buildings, prioritising collapsed zones and areas where railings, roofs or walls failed. Authorities have urged citizens to stay calm but vigilant, to steer clear of unstable buildings, and to ignore rumours or unconfirmed data. Reuters

Given the shallow nature of the quake, experts advise residents to be on alert for after-shocks. These can sometimes cause more damage to already weakened structures than the initial event. In the wider region, cross-border coordination between Bangladesh and Indian authorities regarding seismic monitoring and emergency protocols is receiving renewed focus.

Take-away

At 10:38 a.m. today, a magnitude 5.5 earthquake jolted central Bangladesh, caused havoc in Dhaka and surrounding districts, and sent tremors into West Bengal’s Kolkata region. Six lives have tragically been lost, many more injured, and the tremor served as a stark reminder of the seismic vulnerability of this region’s fast-growing urban centres. The focus now turns to rescue, structural safety checks and ensuring communities remain alert for what may follow.

By Ronald Kapper