Powerful Quake in Bangladesh Rattles Meghalaya: Residents Evacuate as Tremors Shake Northeast India

A significant seismic event originating in eastern Bangladesh sent powerful tremors rippling across India's northeastern state of Meghalaya, particularly its capital Shillong, on a recent afternoon. The sudden jolt, a magnitude 5.6 earthquake, prompted widespread concern and saw residents rushing out of buildings as the ground swayed beneath their feet.

According to the National Centre for Seismology, the earthquake struck precisely at 4:07 PM Indian Standard Time.

Its epicentre was identified in eastern Bangladesh, roughly 10 kilometres from the town of Jamalpur, and at a considerable depth of 55 kilometres. This relatively deep focal point likely contributed to the tremors being felt across a wider region, yet potentially mitigating more severe surface-level damage directly at the epicentre.

The impact was immediately felt across Meghalaya.

In Shillong, a city nestled amidst hills, the ground shaking was pronounced enough to send office workers and shoppers alike scrambling for open spaces. Reports from various districts echoed similar experiences, with people describing furniture moving and buildings visibly shaking. While the experience was unsettling, the immediate aftermath brought a sigh of relief as initial reports indicated no casualties or significant structural damage.

The earthquake's proximity to Shillong, approximately 150 kilometres away, meant that residents experienced a palpable sense of the earth's movement.

Emergency services and local authorities quickly began assessing the situation, though no calls for assistance related to injuries or major collapses were received in the initial hours following the quake.

This region, straddling the Indo-Myanmar plate boundary and several active fault lines, is no stranger to seismic activity.

Earthquakes are a frequent occurrence, a constant reminder of the geological forces at play beneath the earth's surface. While this particular event was moderate in strength, it served as a crucial reminder for preparedness in a geologically active zone.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation for any aftershocks and assess the full extent of the impact, ensuring the safety and well-being of the affected communities.

The event highlights the importance of robust infrastructure and public awareness campaigns in earthquake-prone areas.