Dhaka, Bangladesh — The quake occurred at 10:38 a.m. local time on November 21, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Tremors were felt across Dhaka and several surrounding districts, prompting widespread panic as residents rushed out of homes, offices, and schools.
Videos obtained by NBC News captured the moment the earthquake hit, showing people fleeing into the streets as buildings swayed violently.
“We have never experienced an earthquake this powerful in the last five years,” environmental adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan told the BBC.
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According to the BBC, over 450 people were injured, including 10 students hurt during a stampede at Dhaka University. Prothom Alo reported that four additional students suffered injuries after jumping from a residential hall on campus in a desperate attempt to escape.
Hospitals across the region are treating the wounded. Officials said 10 people were injured at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, while another 10 were treated at Tajuddin Medical College Hospital in Gazipur. In the same district, more than 150 workers were injured at the Denimach Limited garment factory when the quake triggered chaos inside the building.
Health adviser Nurjahan Begum told reporters that several of those hospitalized are in critical condition, according to Reuters.
“Our main task at the moment is to assess casualties and damage,” said Nitai Chandra De Sarkar, director of the Department of Disaster Management, as reported by the BBC. “We are not yet seeing the challenge of rescue from the rubble or debris management at that level.”
Authorities warn that casualty figures may rise as assessments continue.
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