How to stay safe during an earthquake

At least 10 people, including two children, have died as a 5.7-magnitude earthquake jolted Dhaka and other parts of Bangladesh, prompting residents to flee buildings in panic.

Scores more were injured while rushing downstairs, falling from heights, or being struck by collapsing objects as buildings shook across the country on Friday morning.

The incident has once again raised urgent questions about public preparedness and what people should do to stay safe when an earthquake strikes. Experts say most casualties occur not from the shaking itself, but from panic-driven reactions.

WHAT TO DO DURING AN EARTHQUAKE

Stay calm and do not run outside

According to disaster management specialists, rushing towards staircases during tremors is extremely dangerous. Stampedes, falls, and collapsing stair rails have caused casualties in recent earthquakes in Bangladesh. It is often safer to stay where you are.

Drop, cover and hold

If you are indoors, immediately drop to the ground, take cover under a sturdy table or desk, and hold on until the shaking stops. This protects you from falling objects, broken glass, or ceiling debris.

Stay away from windows and heavy objects

Move away from glass panes, bookcases, cupboards, lifts, and anything that might topple.

Do not use lifts

Power failures or structural damage can trap occupants. Always take shelter first; evacuate only when it is safe.

IF YOU ARE OUTSIDE

Move to an open area away from buildings, electric poles, trees, boundary walls, and other structures that may collapse. Avoid standing near narrow lanes or old concrete structures.

IF YOU ARE IN A MOVING VEHICLE

Stop the vehicle in a safe, open area and remain inside until the shaking ends. Avoid stopping under flyovers, bridges, or power lines.

AFTER THE EARTHQUAKE

• Check yourself and others for injuries.
• Avoid re-entering damaged buildings.
• Stay alert for aftershocks.
• Follow official instructions from authorities and emergency services.
• Turn off gas and electrical lines if you suspect leakage or damage.

PREPAREDNESS CAN SAVE LIVES

Bangladesh sits in an active seismic zone, and experts have long warned that lack of preparedness could worsen future disasters. Friday’s casualties—many caused by panic rather than structural collapse—highlight the importance of public awareness and regular drills.

Safety officials emphasise that earthquake preparedness should become a routine practice in homes, offices, schools, and factories to prevent avoidable loss of life.

Witnesses said tremors were felt across Cumilla at around 10:38am, prompting hundreds of workers to rush out. Many fainted from fear and collapsed on the factory floor before being rescued and taken to hospitals.

Meanwhile, locals reported that a five-storey building in Daudkandi upazila tilted during the quake, while another structure developed visible cracks.