Renewed Earthquake Threat in Bangladesh

Bangladesh experienced tremors twice in a single day on Tuesday, 3 February, raising renewed concerns about seismic activity in the region. The strongest quake occurred at 9:40 pm local time in the Minbu region of Myanmar, registering 5.9 on the Richter scale. This tremor was widely felt across Dhaka, Chittagong, and several other parts of the country. Earlier in the day, a milder earthquake was also recorded in various locations across Bangladesh.

Seismologists have emphasised that the fault responsible for these quakes is highly active. Experts have warned that aftershocks could occur within the next 24 hours. Dr Mostafa Kamal Palash, a climate and weather researcher at the University of Saskatchewan, Canada, issued a cautionary alert on his verified Facebook account. Referring to data from the United States Geological Survey (USGS), he noted that the most recent quake struck at a depth of approximately 63 kilometres.

According to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC), just 20 minutes after the 5.9 magnitude quake, another tremor measuring 5.3 struck the Minbu area in Myanmar. Earlier, in the early hours of the morning, a milder earthquake of 4.1 magnitude was recorded in Kalaroa, Satkhira, affecting Dhaka and surrounding districts.

A summary of the day’s seismic events is presented below:

Experts have stressed that this region’s fault lines are extremely active. In 2024, the same fault generated a powerful 7.5-magnitude earthquake, highlighting the persistent seismic risk. Both local and international geologists are urging citizens to remain vigilant and take precautions in vulnerable areas.

Safety recommendations include staying in secure locations during tremors, avoiding tall buildings, and preparing emergency kits. Authorities and experts also caution that aftershocks are likely, advising people to stay alert rather than panic. Public awareness and preparedness remain critical to minimising casualties and damage in such high-risk zones.