A medium intensity earthquake has been felt across Bangladesh. US Geological Survey says it measured 5.5 on the Richter scale.
The epicentre was at Tripura’s Ambassa, 170 kilometres northeast of Dhaka and originated at a depth of 36 kilometres.
The jolt was felt at 3:09pm. The tremor lasted for about four to five seconds.
There was panic as buildings began to shake. Many had evacuated and were seen outside in the streets. No casualties were reported yet, officials said.
Tremors of intensity 4 to 4.99 on the Richter scale are categorised as ‘mild’, those between 5 and 5.99 as ‘moderate’ and those between 6 and 6.99 are classified as ‘strong’.
Earthquakes measuring 7 and above are classed as ‘major’ while those measuring 8 and above are known as ‘great and greater’.
An elderly man Hiron Mia, 60, died of cardiac arrest at his home in Hashampur village, under Jagannathpur upazila’s Patli union during the earthquake.