On 21 November 2025, a moderate but powerful earthquake struck near Madhabdi / Ghorashal in Narsingdi District (depth 10 km). The shaking experienced in Dhaka was among the strongest recorded in recent history. According to USGS and BMD, the magnitude ranged between 5.5 mww and 5.7 mww. Across Dhaka, Narsingdi, Narayanganj, and Gazipur, and felt further into central Bangladesh and parts of northeast India. According to the National Disaster Response Coordination Center, the disaster has so far claimed at least 10 lives, injured around 461 + (and damaged dozens of buildings (initial estimate: 21) in Dhaka, Narayanganj, Gazipur, Narsingdi, Magura, and Rajshahi. On 22 November, a magnitude 4.3 aftershock occurred northeast of Dhaka, underscoring the continued seismic risk.

Although there are no guarantees of safety during an earthquake, identifying potential hazards in advance and planning ahead can save lives and significantly reduce injuries and property damage. Repairing deep plaster cracks in ceilings and foundations, anchoring overhead lighting fixtures to the ceiling, and following local seismic building standards will help reduce the impact of earthquakes.

What to Do During an Earthquake

Stay as safe as possible during an earthquake. Be aware that some earthquakes are foreshocks, and a larger earthquake may follow. Minimize your movements to a few steps to a nearby, safe place, and stay indoors until the shaking has stopped and you are sure it is safe to exit.

If indoors

• DROP to the ground; take COVER by getting under a sturdy table or other piece of furniture; and HOLD ON until the shaking stops. If there isn’t a table or desk near you, cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building.
• Stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls, and anything that could fall, such as lighting fixtures or furniture.
• Stay in bed if you are there when the earthquake strikes. Hold on and protect your head with a pillow, unless you are under a heavy light fixture that could fall. In that case, move to the nearest safe place.
• Use a doorway for shelter only if it is in close proximity to you and if you know it is a strongly supported, load-bearing doorway.
• Stay inside until shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Research has shown that most injuries occur when people inside buildings attempt to move to another location within the building or to leave.
• Be aware that the electricity may go out or the sprinkler systems or fire alarms may turn on.
• DO NOT use the elevators.

If outdoors

• Stay there.
• Move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires.
• Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops. The greatest danger exists directly outside buildings, at exits, and alongside exterior walls. Ground movement during an earthquake is seldom the direct cause of death or injury. Most earthquake-related casualties result from collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects.

If in a moving vehicle

• Stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses, and utility wires.
• Proceed cautiously once the earthquake has stopped. Avoid roads, bridges, or ramps that might have been damaged by the earthquake.

If trapped under debris

• Do not light a match.
• Do not move about or kick up dust. Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or a piece of clothing.
• Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. Use a whistle if one is available. Shout only as a last resort. Shouting can cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.

Six Ways to Plan Ahead

1. Check for Hazards in the Home

• Fasten shelves securely to walls. Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves.
• Store breakable items such as bottled foods, glass, and china in low, closed cabinets with latches.
• Hang heavy items such as pictures and mirrors away from beds, couches, and anywhere people sit.
• Brace overhead light fixtures. Repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections. These are potential fire risks.
• Secure a water heater by strapping it to the wall studs and bolting it to the floor.
• Repair any deep cracks in ceilings or foundations. Get expert advice if there are signs of structural defects.
• Store weed killers, pesticides, and flammable products securely in closed cabinets with latches and on the bottom shelves.

2. Identify Safe Places Indoors and Outdoors

• Under sturdy furniture such as a heavy desk or table.
• Against an inside wall.
• Away from where glass could shatter around windows, mirrors, pictures, or where heavy bookcases or other heavy furniture could fall over.
• In the open, away from buildings, trees, telephone and electrical lines, overpasses, or elevated expressways.
• Interior columns and beams can serve as safe zones.

3. Educate Yourself and Family Members

• Contact your local emergency management (Fire service 102, Emergency Number 999, National Emergency Hotline Number: 0258811651)
• Teach children how and when to call the police(999) or fire department (102), and which radio, TV, or online news station to tune in to for emergency information.
• Teach all family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity, and water. Identify escape routes within the building.

4. Have Disaster Supplies on Hand

• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Portable battery-operated radio and extra batteries
• First aid kit and manual
• Emergency food(non-perishable food such as puffed rice, flattened rice, Toast biscuits, Energy Bar , canned food , dry fruits,Baby foods)and water
• Non-electric can opener
• Essential medicines
• Cash and credit cards
• Sturdy shoes
• Blankets

5. Develop an Emergency Communication Plan

• In case family members are separated from one another during an earthquake (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), develop a plan for reuniting after the disaster.
• Find a well-known meeting place in case family members become separated during the earthquake
• Ask an out-of-district/country relative or friend to serve as the "family contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to make long-distance calls if possible or the situation permits. Make sure everyone in the family knows the contact person's name, address, and phone number. This contact person will keep a record of the family members' safety.

6. Help Your Community Get Ready

• Print the phone numbers of local emergency services offices and hospitals.
• Work together in your community to apply your knowledge on earthquakes

What to Do After an Earthquake

1. Prioritize Personal Safety

• Check yourself for injuries before helping others.
• Wear protective clothing (long pants, long sleeves, sturdy shoes, gloves) to avoid cuts and debris-related injuries.

2. Assist Others Safely

• Provide first aid to injured or trapped people if it is safe to do so.
• Do not move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger.

3. Fire & Hazard Control

• Extinguish small fires immediately; fire is the most common post-earthquake hazard.
• Clean spilled chemicals, medicines, gasoline, and flammable liquids.
• Avoid smoking indoors.

4. Gas, Electricity & Utilities

• Check for gas leaks (smell of gas, hissing sound). If found: open a window, evacuate, turn the gas off if possible, and call the gas company.
• Inspect electrical systems. If you see sparks, frayed wires, or smell burning insulation, turn the power off at the main breaker. If water is present around the breaker, call an electrician.
• Check sewage and water lines. Avoid using toilets if the lines seem damaged. Use alternate safe water sources (water heater, melted ice).

5. Structural Safety

• Inspect your home for damage; leave immediately if the structure looks unsafe.
• Open cabinets/closets carefully—items may fall.
• Avoid damaged buildings entirely and enter only when authorities say it is safe.
• When entering any building: watch for loose plaster, ceilings, chimneys, broken glass, and weakened floors or staircases.
• Examine walls, floors, doors, windows, and staircases for collapse risks.

6. Aftershocks

• Expect aftershocks for days or weeks. Each time you feel one: Drop, Cover, and Hold On.

7. Communication & Information

• Listen to battery-powered radio/TV for official updates.
• Use phones only for life-threatening emergencies to keep lines free.

8. Community Support

• Check on neighbors, especially the elderly, people with disabilities, and families needing extra support.
• Watch pets closely; their behavior may change after earthquakes. Keep them leashed or fenced.

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Important Numbers

• National Emergency Hotline Number: 0258811651
• Fire Service Hotline: 102